Let’s dive into a design trend that has become an integral part of the UI/UX world — Bento Grids. Although these grids are no longer new to the design landscape, they remain relevant, efficient, and…

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No Connection designed by Hoang Nguyen. Connect with them on Dribbble; the global community for designers and creative professionals.

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Connection problem designed by Tim Kjær Lange. Connect with them on Dribbble; the global community for designers and creative professionals.

UNLV has not had much success lately either on the basketball court or football field. So, the current administration's attempt to introduce a new graphic identity for its athletic teams was met with initial skepticism, then out-and-out hostility when it was unveiled. The scenario is familiar to Penn State which has been unable to unseat the aged, disparaged but strangely beloved "Chipmunk" logo which now is 34 years old and still hanging on.

The California Gold Rush is, forgive the pun, the gold standard of gold rushes in the United States. Indeed, California is known as the “Golden State” both because of its beautiful natural scenery, but also because of this gold rush that absolutely changed the face of American history in a short period of time. A great way to explain the changes is to compare California before the gold rush — a sparsely populated area inhabited mostly by Native Americans and Mexicans — to a state important enough that the first Republican Presidential candidate, John C. Fremont, hailed from the state. It all began on January 24, 1848, when James Marshall, a sawmill entrepreneur, and carpenter, discovered gold at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California – located on the South Fork American River in the knolls of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Sutter’s Mill is in the northern central portion of the state, 48 miles from what is now Sacramento. California was still technically a part of Mexico at this time, as the Mexican-American War was still underway, but it had been claimed by the United States since the Bear Flag Revolt in 1846. When all was said and done, 300,000 people had poured into the region and the population demographics of the territory — a state by 1850 — were changed forever. Tens of billions of dollars were extracted from the mines in the state, which helped the United States on its road to becoming an economic powerhouse.Who Was James W. Marshall? Coloma, California Location As is often the case with a gold rush, the California Gold Rush had very inauspicious beginnings. James Wilson Marshall didn’t own the land where he discovered the gold and thus joins the long list of people who came close to grabbing the golden ring but were unable to do so due to circumstances outside of their control. The land itself was owned by John Sutter, born Johann August Sutter, an immigrant from one of the many small states that made up the Holy Roman Empire. Marshall was examining a channel on the land when he noticed the shiny flecks that often meant there were large deposits of gold. For his part, Sutter was far more concerned with the completion of his sawmill than he was with panning for gold, so he simply allowed the workmen to hunt for gold on his land in their spare time. Ironically, the discovery of gold on his land led to Sutter’s economic ruination. Though he attempted to keep the find quiet, the discovery of land was exposed to a mass audience by newspaper publisher Samuel Brannan. When gold fever spread throughout his crew, they all left the steady work of building a sawmill to hunt for gold. Eventually, the hordes of prospectors drove Sutter off of his own land. His son, John Augustus Sutter Jr., had no small success rebuilding the land, but the prospectors destroyed virtually everything of value that lay on the land. The elder Sutter eventually received a $250 monthly pension as reimbursement for his land. The expensive precious metal find lead directly to the founding of Coloma, the gold mining camp that grew into the first mining town in California. The boomtown saw great success while the California gold rush was in action, being lucky enough to happen in a period lacking in mining companies. However, in the time post-gold rush, Coloma is little more than a ghost town. The town resides within what is now the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Marshall, too, was economically ruined by the army of squatters who destroyed crops and cattle as they went. However, he returned to business in Coloma in 1857, running a vineyard that saw some success in the 1860s before being ruined by higher taxes and increased competition. He then returned to prospecting, which was largely unsuccessful. He died broke in a cabin on August 10, 1885. A monument was eventually erected to him and visitors can still go see the cabin where he spent his final days.Going to San Francisco It bears repeating that going from a “western” American city of the time, such as St. Louis, to California, was not anywhere near as easy as it is today. Indeed, there was not even rail transportation out to California at this time. And it was the California Gold Rush that changed all of that. Most of the 49’ers, in fact, didn’t even travel over the land. They got to California by sea. Remember that this was prior to the construction of the Panama Canal. The journey went all the way around Tierra del Fuego and took between four and five months. That was a total of 18,000 nautical miles (21,000 land miles or 33,000 kilometers). The other option was to go to the thinnest part of Panama, cross the jungle, and pick up another boat on the other side. Companies such as the U.S. Mail Steamship Company, the Pacific Mail Steamship Company (which enjoyed federal subsidies), and the Accessory Transit Company allowed for men who weren’t prospecting to make their fortunes off of the California Gold Rush. Of course, some adventure and treasure seekers did use an overland route, with most utilizing the California Trail, a 3,000-mile trail that ran from the Missouri River to California. It was one of a series of so-called “pioneer trails” that were built by enterprising settlers on their way out west during the 19th Century. Supplies were likewise needed in California, but it was difficult to keep crews because men generally deserted to go hunt for gold in the fields. Some abandoned ships were converted into warehouses, taverns, hotels, and other structures, including at least one jail. But when all was said and done, it was the merchants who made out like bandits during the California Gold Rush, not the miners.Who Were the Forty Niners? The Forty Niners The forty niners were much more than just a San Francisco football team. They were the movement of aspiring gold miners who moved west seeking their fortune in the goldfields of California. It was the actual residents of California who made the first strikes beginning in 1848. The forty niners were those who came later in search of any gold nuggets that might be left. The next group of treasure seekers were men from the area surrounding California. This makes sense, as it was in these regions where word of the gold first spread to. The first major emigration to the gold region of California came from Oregon, via a trail that rains directly from the Beaver State to the Golden State. These “48’ers” as they were called were among the most prosperous of prospectors, able to gather thousands of dollars worth of gold every day. Even the average prospector was making 10 to 15 times what laborers were making back on the East Coast. The forty niners themselves were mostly, but not entirely, from America. People were coming from as far away as the antipodes to hunt for gold. Latin America, Mexico in particular, provided much of the manpower that would attempt to find a fortune in California. The European Revolutions of 1848 likewise provided a steady stream of adventurers looking to strike it rich, primarily from France, but also from Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. All told, it’s estimated that 90,000 souls arrived in California in 1849 alone, half of them taking an overland route and half of them coming by sea. It is further estimated that a relatively scant 40,000 to 50,000 of these gold seekers were American, the rest coming from abroad. Fewer than 4,000 of these were African American, most from the United States, but also some from countries in South America like Brazil and Peru. The arrival of some 20,000 immigrants from China seeking gold led to both the Chinese Exclusion Act and the Foreign Miners Tax. And while there were some women, their numbers were hardly significant — a scant 700 or so women went west to the California goldfields, most of these wives and prostitutes.Lawlessness and Property Rights The problem with a weak rule of law and a lot of gold sitting around is that property rights quickly become difficult and complicated to enforce. This is a theme that runs throughout all of the gold rushes and the California Gold Rush is no exception. This was not helped by the strange, nebulous relationship of what would later become the State of California to the United States. California Gold Rush At the time of the Gold Rush, California was not a part of the United States at all, it was simply under the control of the United States military thanks to the Mexican-American War. Indeed, California was never a territory in the way other Western states were. It went from a military-occupied area with a “provisional government” in 1846 to being granted statehood in 1850 with no status as a territory in between. All of this means that there was never any degree of civil control or traditional rule of law during the period of the California Gold Rush. No legislature, no executive, and no judiciary existed until California became a state in 1850. The result of this meant that the actual law as it was applied was a curious mixture of Mexican law, American values, and whatever you could get away with. Possession was ten-tenths of the law. Any gold that you could carry away, you kept, regardless of what the law said or whether or not someone else might have held title to the land. Even the end of the war didn’t do much to alleviate this situation. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War, recognized Mexican land grants as valid. However, this was a very small portion of the land ceded to the United States. The remaining land was considered “public land.” Thus, anyone was allowed to mine for gold on it — and oftentimes “anyone” did. The miners eventually came up with a system that more or less worked. Gold claims were only good as in as much as they were actively being worked. This allowed prospectors to “claim jump,” or work an area to find out if it was worth continuing to work before jumping on to the next spot. Oftentimes, prospectors would go to an area that another prospector had already worked on, piggybacking off of their labor and hoping to have more luck than the last guy.The California Gold Rush and Technology Pure Gold Silicon Valley isn’t the first time that California has led innovation and technology in the United States. The California Gold Rush led to a giant boom in mining technology, the effects of which are still with us today. Early forty niners were able to use panning for gold and placer mining to get rich. This is because there were such rich deposits of gold in the state that there was a lot of low-hanging fruit as it were. But this is not a reliable method of extracting large amounts of gold from a region. It only allows for very easy pickings. And once people saw the riches that could easily be panned out of the rivers in California, they wanted to see what they could get if they dug a little deeper. Modern hydraulic mining was first developed in California specifically for this purpose around 1853. By the mid-1880s, about 11 million ounces (340 tons) of gold (or about $19.8 billion in September 2020 prices) had been recovered by this new hydraulic mining process. Dredging for gold was likewise invented in California after the initial Gold Rush had died down. Hard rock mining also saw massive innovations as the search for gold in California became more and more challenging. It’s not a stretch to say that, without the California Gold Rush, there might not have been a massive move to California during the 19th Century. Indeed, to this day, California might remain a rural backwater more known for growing oranges and almonds than anything else if there were no gold there. This underscores just how important gold is to the history of American Westward Expansion. It was the California Gold Rush that made San Francisco the first West Coast city to crack the top ten in terms of population in the 1870 census, a place where it remained until the 1900 census, rising as high as the eighth-largest city in the United States. The mark of the California Gold Rush can still be seen on the Golden State, with references to it virtually everywhere, including the famous Golden Gate Bridge.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you click the links and make a purchase I may receive compensation at no additional cost to you. I do not recommend any companies that I do not persoanlly use and love. Please read our disclaimer for more info. Teaching reading to middle school students can be difficult.  There aren’t as many resources for teaching middle school reading intervention.  Check out 4 Resources for Middle School Reading Intervention. It can also be difficult to find age-appropriate activities to work with students on pre-reading. K-W-L Chart This is one technique for pre-reading that does translate to older students. A K-W-L Chart is where you have the students start by listing what they know about a topic (this is the “K”). Then, you have them make a list of everything that they want to know about the topic (the “W”). And then post-reading you add the third column of everything that they learned about the topic (the “L”). With older students, I tend to also use this as a technique to help them practice with research and for the L column, they have to state evidence from the text to support it. Preview the Text If the text is non-fiction: Have the students look ahead and read any headings.  Have them read any subheadings.  Your students should preview any pictures in the text and read the caption with it. If the text is fiction: Have the students read the title.  If there is a summary, have them read it first.  Have students preview any pictures and make predictions about what the story will be about. Previewing Vocabulary This can be very important when dealing with ELL students as well as students with a reading disability.  Before you begin reading the text work through the vocabulary.  Discuss the different words that they are going to come into contact with that may be difficult for them.  Students who are reading texts where they don’t understand the words are going to get frustrated and give up. Also if they are not understanding some of the important vocabulary words, they are not going to fully comprehend the text.   Review Background If you are going to read a story with your class, take time to think about what background information they would need to comprehend the text. As teachers, we often assume students know things about the past that they may not.  I was shocked this year when before a unit on the Holocaust I asked kids what they knew about it.  The answer was that they knew very little, and some students knew nothing at all. So, to be careful, don’t assume your students know anything about the text.  Create a lesson or a webquest where they discover the information that they will need! More Resources: Also, Check Out: Using Editing Stations in ELA Accommodations to Support Students who Struggle with Executive Functioning Get your free IEP summary page! Subscribe to get our latest content by email. Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription. There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. First Name Email Address We use this field to detect spam bots. If you fill this in, you will be marked as a spammer. Get your download! We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by Kit

human stem cells is a place where the storage of human genetic memory where genes or human codes are made sequentially that form a tangible development of an organ of living things called humans, this human stem cell code can be taken during one week of fertilization between sperm cells and cells eggs and their shape are almost identical for all stem cells of living creatures other than humans. when humans were created by the Father in heaven, the code of the genetic code was revealed until now where humans can manifest according to their original form, namely when God formed the first human, at that time God formed from embryonic cells from the embryo composition from the existence of the new earth which he created itself in the form of similarities between the horizon, soil, dust and water as the initial embryo of the formation of the earth. God said that you were created in the same image and likened to me, and so the Lord Jesus always made a parable in the likeness and like, we were created in the same image and in the same way as our creator, and that means our mother cell was similar and similar. in this era we can call God's past copy so and if copy paste wants to be perfect with the creator of course we must continue to know him, so that we will be equal and perfect of course for the grace and affection of the creator, God himself. in the detection and processing of human embryos in today's era many use modern technology in the form of sophisticated electronic engineering techniques that are artificial intelligence, which is the second derivative of human thinking. if we call it in the complex electronic language that is the 2nd differential, we are the 1st differential from God who is the Father in heaven if we hear the diffraction means there is a matter of development time in the usual calculations in electronics called Timer For Up / down Counter or we are Real Word (up counter) and Retro (down Counter).                                                                 Love in Second Save of Light                                                                                                                                            ( Gen . Mac Tech Zone Point Virtual Matrix  )                                                       X O 11   stem cells                                                                 Cells in the body have specific purposes, but stem cells are cells that do not yet have a specific role and can become almost any cell that is required.Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can turn into specific cells, as the body needs them. Scientists and doctors are interested in stem cells as they help to explain how some functions of the body work, and how they sometimes go wrong.                                     Sources of stem cells Stem cells originate from two main sources: adult body tissues and embryos. Scientists are also working on ways to develop stem cells from other cells, using genetic "reprogramming" techniques. Adult stem cells Stem cells can turn into any type of cell before they become differentiated. A person's body contains stem cells throughout their life. The body can use these stem cells whenever it needs them. Also called tissue-specific or somatic stem cells, adult stem cells exist throughout the body from the time an embryo develops. The cells are in a non-specific state, but they are more specialized than embryonic stem cells. They remain in this state until the body needs them for a specific purpose, say, as skin or muscle cells. Day-to-day living means the body is constantly renewing its tissues. In some parts of the body, such as the gut and bone marrow, stem cells regularly divide to produce new body tissues for maintenance and repair. Stem cells are present inside different types of tissue. Scientists have found stem cells in tissues, including: the brain bone marrow blood and blood vessels skeletal muscles skin the liver However, stem cells can be difficult to find. They can stay non-dividing and non-specific for years until the body summons them to repair or grow new tissue. Adult stem cells can divide or self-renew indefinitely. This means they can generate various cell types from the originating organ or even regenerate the original organ, entirely. This division and regeneration are how a skin wound heals, or how an organ such as the liver, for example, can repair itself after damage. In the past, scientists believed adult stem cells could only differentiate based on their tissue of origin. However, some evidence now suggests that they can differentiate to become other cell types, as well. Embryonic stem cells From the very earliest stage of pregnancy, after the sperm fertilizes the egg, an embryo forms. Around 3–5 days after a sperm fertilizes an egg, the embryo takes the form of a blastocyst or ball of cells. The blastocyst contains stem cells and will later implant in the womb. Embryonic stem cells come from a blastocyst that is 4–5 days old. When scientists take stem cells from embryos, these are usually extra embryos that result from in vitro fertilization (IVF). In IVF clinics, the doctors fertilize several eggs in a test tube, to ensure that at least one survives. They will then implant a limited number of eggs to start a pregnancy. When a sperm fertilizes an egg, these cells combine to form a single cell called a zygote. This single-celled zygote then starts to divide, forming 2, 4, 8, 16 cells, and so on. Now it is an embryo. Soon, and before the embryo implants in the uterus, this mass of around 150–200 cells is the blastocyst. The blastocyst consists of two parts: an outer cell mass that becomes part of the placenta an inner cell mass that will develop into the human body The inner cell mass is where embryonic stem cells are found. Scientists call these totipotent cells. The term totipotent refer to the fact that they have total potential to develop into any cell in the body. With the right stimulation, the cells can become blood cells, skin cells, and all the other cell types that a body needs. In early pregnancy, the blastocyst stage continues for about 5 days before the embryo implants in the uterus, or womb. At this stage, stem cells begin to differentiate. Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into more cell types than adult stem cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) MSCs come from the connective tissue or stroma that surrounds the body's organs and other tissues. Scientists have used MSCs to create new body tissues, such as bone, cartilage, and fat cells. They may one day play a role in solving a wide range of health problems. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) Scientists create these in a lab, using skin cells and other tissue-specific cells. These cells behave in a similar way to embryonic stem cells, so they could be useful for developing a range of therapies. However, more research and development is necessary. To grow stem cells, scientists first extract samples from adult tissue or an embryo. They then place these cells in a controlled culture where they will divide and reproduce but not specialize further. Stem cells that are dividing and reproducing in a controlled culture are called a stem-cell line. Researchers manage and share stem-cell lines for different purposes. They can stimulate the stem cells to specialize in a particular way. This process is known as directed differentiation.  it has been easier to grow large numbers of embryonic stem cells than adult stem cells. However, scientists are making progress with both cell types.                                     X O 110  110   Stem Cells and the study of  Mathematics , Statistics and Physics  Human stem cells are at the forefront of modern molecular biology research due to their ability to give rise to any specialist human cell type, a property known as pluripotency.  However, stem cells are notoriously hard to grow in culture.  Here we are developing mathematical models of the stem cell behaviour, from single or a few cells up to colonies of thousands.  the last concept of "Dynamics of single human embryonic stem cells and their pairs: a quantitative analysis"  we performed real-time microscope imaging of human embryonic stem cells and analysed the kinematics of single and pairs of cells.   We find that the cells, and their pairs, typically move like an isotropic random walk with a characteristic speed.  Here, we present a movie of the typical stem cell motion.                                                            Ecological Networks                                 An ecological network is a representation of the interactions between species in an ecosystem, a familiar example of which is the food web.  Recent advances in DNA sequencing techniques allow biologists to construct and describe such networks in unprecedented levels of detail. we are interested in understanding the dynamics of species within complex ecological networks and predicting network responses to external perturbations. We must saving of  Biology with real-world ecological data sets.           X O 110  110  110  Data set in electronic circuit electron , we call Counter and frequency In digital logic and computing, a counter is a device which stores (and sometimes displays) the number of times a particular event or process has occurred, often in relationship to a clock signal. ... A counter circuit is usually constructed of a number of flip-flops connected in cascade.  Counter is a digital device and the output of the counter includes a predefined state based on the clock pulse applications. The output of the counter can be used to count the number of pulses. Generally, counters consist of a flip-flop ( memory ) arrangement which can be synchronous counter or asynchronous counter.  Types of Counters, Binary Ripple Counter, Ring Counter, BCD Counter, Decade counter, Up down Counter, Frequency Counter.                                                                    Up - Counter Counter is a sequential circuit. A digital circuit which is used for a counting pulses is known counter. Counter is the widest application of flip-flops. It is a group of flip-flops with a clock signal applied.  The only difference is that for the up counter the output is taken at the non-inverting output ports of the flip-flops. Whereas, for the down counter the output is taken at the inverting output ports of the flip-flops.  Counters are used in digital electronics for counting purpose, they can count specific event happening in the circuit. For example, in UP counter a counter increases count for every rising edge of clock.  Counter means ; 1 : marked by or tending toward or in an opposite direction or effect. 2 : given to or marked by opposition, hostility, or antipathy. 3 : situated or lying opposite the counter side.                            Circuit diagram of the electronic letterbox with letter-counting facility                                                      Pulse Detecting Genetic Circuit                                                      In digital logic and computing, a counter is a device which stores (and sometimes displays) the number of times a particular event or process has occurred, often in relationship to a clock signal. The most common type is a sequential digital logic circuit with an input line called the clock and multiple output lines. The values on the output lines represent a number in the binary or BCD number system. Each pulse applied to the clock input increments or decrements the number in the counter. A counter circuit is usually constructed of a number of flip-flops connected in cascade. Counters are a very widely used component in digital circuits, and are manufactured as separate integrated circuits and also incorporated as parts of larger integrated circuits.                                                 In electronics, counters can be implemented quite easily using register-type circuits such as the flip-flop,  electronics is a complete language of communication and a wide variety of classified into: Asynchronous (ripple) counter – changing state bits are used as clocks to subsequent state flip-flops Synchronous counter – all state bits change under control of a single clock Decade counter – counts through ten states per stage Up/down counter – counts both up and down, under command of a control input Ring counter – formed by a shift register with feedback connection in a ring Johnson counter – a twisted ring counter Cascaded counter Modulus counter. Each is useful for different applications. Usually, counter circuits are digital in nature, and count in natural binary. Many types of counter circuits are available as digital building blocks, for example a number of chips in the 4500 series implement different counters. Occasionally there are advantages to using a counting sequence other than the natural binary sequence—such as the binary coded decimal counter, a linear-feedback shift register counter, or a Gray-code counter. Counters are useful for digital clocks and timers, and in oven timers, VCR clocks, etc. A robust cellular counter could enable synthetic biologists to design complex circuits with diverse behaviors. The existing synthetic-biological counters, responsive to the beginning of the pulse, are sensitive to the pulse duration. Here to present a pulse detecting circuit that responds only at the falling edge of a pulse–analogous to negative edge triggered electric circuits. As biological events do not follow precise timing, use of such a pulse detector would enable the design of robust asynchronous counters which can count the completion of events. This transcription-based pulse detecting circuit depends on the interaction of two co-expressed lamb doid phage-derived proteins: the first is unstable and inhibits the regulatory activity of the second, stable protein. At the end of the pulse the unstable inhibitor protein disappears from the cell and the second protein triggers the recording of the event completion. Using stochastic simulation we showed that the proposed design can detect the completion of the pulse irrespective to the pulse duration. In our simulation we also showed that fusing the pulse detector with a phage lambda memory element we can construct a counter which can be extended to count larger numbers. The design principle is a new control mechanism for synthetic biology which can be integrated in different circuits for identifying the completion of an event.                                               Synthetic biology borrows the basic principles from engineering and molecular biology, and applies these principles in designing, testing, validating and assembling genetic parts into larger systems . Over the past 15 years synthetic biology researchers have designed numerous synthetic genetic circuits and a trend of increasing circuit complexity seems likely . The design principles of electrical circuits have inspired and have been incorporated in the construction of many synthetic genetic circuits . Like in electrical circuits, memory is an essential functional unit in biological systems which records the received stimulus and directs the cell fate in alternate directions based on the logged experience. Consequently, a diverse design approach has been exercised in registering a biological event in a cell and probing the record at a later time .                                        A counter is another basic device that track events and is extensively used in building a wide range of complex electrical circuits. The existence of counting mechanism in wild organisms has been documented .  With the help of a robust cellular counter, synthetic biologists could design novel control mechanisms and applications based on the occurrence of events. A few successful circuits have been constructed .   The design of a counter makes the use of memory and a single memory unit can work as a counter capable of counting a single event. Such a one-counter can be cascaded to count numbers larger than one but counting high numbers will be challenging because the number of orthogonal systems will increase linearly with the maximum number we want to count. One way to overcome this difficulty is to use set-reset memory devices ( Integral list point )                                                         Another potential challenge in designing a robust biological counter is the ability to count at completion of the event. The existing designs of the counters are sensitive to the pulse duration–a brief pulse will be ignored and a lengthy pulse can cause the counter to count ahead . This problem can be evaded if we can design a counter that advances the count at the end of the pulse, as is the common practice in electrical counter design . The essential component in such a design is a pulse detecting circuit that responses only at the falling edge of the pulse stimulus. Use of such a pulse detector will make the counter robust to pulse duration.  The design of the robust genetic pulse detector using the lambda CI repressor protein . By preventing the dimerization of CI protein until the triggering pulse completes, we identify the end of the event and subsequently the dimerized CI protein will trigger the reporter circuit. In simulation we tested and characterized the pulse detecting device to identify the limit of its operation. We designed an extendable one-counter by coupling this pulse detecting circuit with a lambda switch based memory . Using a detailed chemical modeling and stochastic simulation we show that the presented robust pulse detector works with practical biologically parameters and can be used in designing falling edge triggered genetic counter.                                              A new design control for pulse detection In principle, it is possible to design an asynchronous counter using both negative edge triggering (NET) and positive edge triggering (PET). However, in electronics most of the asynchronous counters are designed using NET because it makes the linking to flip-flops easier which should change state when the previous bit changes from high to low. An additional advantage of designing counters with NET is that they count events irrespective of the event’s duration and frequency.  is analogous to synchronous counters found in digital systems, and counted correctly only in response to pulses of defined duration. In contrast, the design of the counter outlined in corresponds to asynchronous counters. A pulse detector circuit that triggers only at the falling edge of a pulse would facilitate the design of an asynchronous counter and can be used in designing many other genetic circuits. We have a pulse detector circuit that uses distinctive characteristics of the lambda CI repressor protein to explore design considerations for a transcription-based biological negative edge detector. The bacteriophage lambda has a complex set of interlocking regulatory mechanisms that it uses to maintain the lysogenic state and to transition to the lytic state . In the lysogenic state the lambda genome is integrated in the chromosome of host cell and replicated with cell division. In response to a DNA-damage signal, the lambda-phage exits the stable lysogenic state and enters the lytic state in which the phage lyses the cell, producing many new phage particles.  One regulatory module in lambda genome, colloquially known as lambda switch, mediates this decision and consists of: cI and cro genes, two promoters (PRM and PR transcribing cI and cro respectively) and three operators (OR1, OR2, and OR3) in the OR region . the three operators in the OR region enhance the cooperativity of the system with respect to cI and allow a hair-trigger response in switching from the CI-rich state to the Cro-rich state .  Both CI and Cro proteins bind to the three operators with different affinities and control the transcription of cI and cro genes. RNA polymerase can transcribe gene cro when both OR1 and OR2 are free; similarly gene cI is transcribed when OR3 is free. CI protein can enhance the transcription from PRM promoter when bound to OR2. A moderate level of CI protein is maintained by shutting down the PRM promoter when CI level crosses a certain threshold. The double negative feedback mechanism along with the positive feedback from CI controls the expression of only one of the two genes (cI and cro) repressing the other and thereby allows the lambda phage maintaining its lysogenic state and switching to the lytic state . These features allowed Kotula et al.  to construct a memory element based on switching from the CI state to the Cro state. These authors also noted that the Cro state was quite stable, at least under the conditions tested. Thus, switching from the Cro to the CI state could also be used to record events; this is the approach used here. One characteristic of CI and Cro proteins, important for our design, is that they bind to the OR operator sites in their dimer and higher-order multimers only; monomers have no activity. Therefore activation and repression of these PR and PRM promoters could be controlled by preventing the dimer formation of CI and Cro proteins. This is a key element of the genetic device we present here. In their study on operator and non-operator DNA binding of lambda repressor protein CI, Nelson and Sauer isolated a mutant of CI repressor bearing a mutation in the DNA binding surface, Asn55Lys (N55K) that eliminated the binding affinity of the CI-mutant to operator sites but increased the affinity to non-specific DNA binding sites . We recently demonstrated that CI (N55K) acts as a dominant negative inhibitor of the CI protein itself , presumably by forming mixed dimers as has been observed for the tet and lac repressors . This mutation should not affect the dimerization characteristics of the protein. We refer to this protein as dominant-negative CI (CIDN) which is used for blocking dimer formation of CI proteins. Inhibition of the activity of a transcription factor by complexation with a dominant negative partner has previously been found useful . Another protein that can be used to block the activity of lambda CI protein is the Antirepressor of P22, which appears to inactivate numerous lambdoid phage repressors . The architecture of the pulse detecting circuit, assumed to be hosted in E coli bacterium, is shown in Fig 1(A). We placed both the wild-type cI and cIDN under the control of a single inducible promoter. A degradation tag is added with cIDN to ensure quick degradation of the monomeric proteins. One obvious candidate for the inducible promoter could be the TetA promoter PTetA . A much stronger RBS (RBS1) is required for cIDN than the RBS (RBS2) for cI. Experimentally one would use a reporter such as the lacZ gene under the control of PRM promoter. Essentially, the system works as follows: when the PTetA is induced (during the pulse), CIDN and CI transcripts are produced. Because of the stronger RBS associated with CIDN, many more CIDN molecules are present in the cell compared to CI molecules. Therefore, almost all of the CI monomers will form heterodimers with CIDN, and there will be no CI2 to activate PRM promoter. After the induction period, because of the degradation tag CIDN molecules degrade quickly giving CI molecules a chance to form dimers and activate PRM promoter. Fig 1(B) explains the input output relationship for the pulse detecting circuit.                                                                                 Fig 1                                                                       Schematic representation of the negative edge triggered pulse detecting circuit. (a) Components of the pulse detecting circuit. The central element is an artificial operon in which a regulated promoter directs transcription of high levels of an unstable inhibitor protein and lower levels of a target transcriptional regulator. In the specific version shown here, the tetracycline-regulated TetA promoter directs transcription of, firstly, a dominant-negative mutant of the lambda cI gene with a degradation tag (green), and secondly an intact version of the cI gene (red). TetR, the tetracyline repressor (gray), blocks transcription of this unit and PRM (which is activated by intact CI protein) transcribing lacZ (sky-blue) serves as an illustrative readout of circuit activity. (b) Behavioral characteristics of the circuit in response to an inducing pulse, with time proceeding downward. In the initial absence of the inducer tetracycline, neither of the proteins is made and lacZ is OFF. Upon addition of tetracycline, both proteins are made and the CIDN protein inhibits the wild-type protein, so lacZ remains OFF. Upon removal of the inducer, the CIDN protein is rapidly degraded while the wild-type CI protein remains intact, and activates lacZ transcription. stochastic simulation, we analyzed the pulse detecting circuit to determine the range of parameters (e.g. relative strength of the RBS sites, degradation tag efficiency) of the model for which the circuit produced the desired behavior. After successful model validation, we combined the pulse counter with a lambda phage memory element to construct a one-counter circuit. The simulation results show, when parameters such as RBS strengths are in the right range, that the designed circuit is able to count the event completion and can be expanded to count larger numbers. Relative strength of RBS sites In order to prevent CI proteins from activating the PRM promoter, we need to block the homo-dimerization of wild type CI proteins. In our design, we plan to produce enough CIDN proteins so that all CI wild-type proteins will form heterodimers with CIDN rather homo-dimers. Since both the wild type and dominant type cI genes are transcribed from the same promoter PTetA the best way to achieve that is to use RBS sites with different strength with cI and cIDN genes. In our theoretical calculation it was found that the RBS of cIDN (RBS1) should be at least 10 times stronger than the RBS of cI (RBS2). In order to verify that we tested our model with a range of RBS1:RBS2 strength ratios. It was found that if the strength ratio between RBS1 and RBS2 is 20:1 or greater, it is possible to prevent the dimer formation of CI proteins completely and thereby the reporter gene lacZ becomes activated only when the pulse is finished. Fig 2 shows the simulation of the pulse detector circuit with RBS1:RBS2 = 20:1. As the figure shows, the abundance of CIDN molecules ensures that no CI2 dimer is formed to activate PRM promoter. After the pulse, the degradation tag attached to cIDN quickly removes CIDN protein molecules from the cell allowing CI to form homo-dimers and trigger the reporter circuit. In our simulations, we varied the RBS1:RBS2 ratio from 2 to 25, and it was found that if it is less than 20 then the pulse detection might not work very precisely. As an example the results for the RBS1:RBS2 = 10 is included in S1 Fig. As we can see if RBS1:RBS2 is less than 20 then we have some CI2 in the system before the pulse is finished thus the reporter circuit might start to respond earlier. The effect is more visible for lengthier pulse durations as will be discussed later. In order to compare the effect of RBS strength ratios directly we put all the LacZ responses and the corresponding CI2 concentration changes in S2 Fig. From those response curves it is clear that if the RBS1:RBS2 ratio is less than 20 then CI2 concentration start to rise before the pulse finishes and reporter circuit starts to respond accordingly.                              Fig 2 Response of the pulse detector circuit in Fig 1 for a pulse duration of ½ bacterial cell-cycle (CC) [1020 sec]. The pulse was activated at 10.2 CC (20808 sec) and deactivated at 10.7 CC (21828 sec). The relative strength of RBS1 and RBS2 was 20:1 and the degradation tag had half-life of 4 minutes. The response is average of 20 simulation runs. Influence of degradation tag associated with cIDN The second most important challenge in the design is to quickly remove CIDN from the cell after the completion of the pulse, so that we have enough CI concentration present in the cell to induce the reporter circuit. Evidently, adding a degradation tag to cIDN is a workable solution. However, it should be noted that attaching a degradation-tag will also affect the concentration of CIDN during the pulse. So we need a well-chosen degradation-tag so that we have sufficient CIDN concentration to prevent formation of CI2 during the pulse and after the pulse the CIDN molecules are quickly removed from the system. We therefore, experimented with various degradation-tags of different strengths. We run simulations with degradation-tags with half-life 2, 4, 8 and 16 minutes. The effect of the strength of degradation-tag is shown in Fig 3. From Fig 3, it is found that if degradation-tag is too strong (e.g. half-life 2 mins) then CI molecules start to form dimers before the pulse is finished and if the tag is too weak (e.g. half-life 16 mins) then CIDN remains in the cell for long after the pulse and does not allow formation of CI-dimers to activate the reporter circuit. The degradation-tag with half-life of 4 minutes matches well with the RBS1:RBS2 = 20 to maintain CIDN concentration high enough to prevent formation of CI2 during the pulse and quickly eradicate CIDN from the cell to activate the reporter circuit after the pulse. S3 Fig shows that the combination of deg-tag of 4 minutes and RBS1:RBS2 ratio of 20 or higher is effective in building a working model for the pulse detecting circuit. Fig 3 Response of the pulse detector circuit in Fig 1 with degradation tags of different half-lifes (2, 4, 8 and 16 minutes). For brevity only responses of LacZ and CI molecules were displayed for each deg-tag using the same color. The pulse was activated at 10.2 CC (20808 sec) and deactivated at 10.7 CC (21828 sec). The relative strength of RBS1 and RBS2 was 20:1. The response is average of 20 simulation runs.  Effect of pulse length Another important characteristic of the proposed pulse detector is its insensitivity to pulse duration. Since the circuit responses at the falling edge of the pulse it is not affected by the length of the pulse. In order to confirm that ability of the designed circuit we simulated the circuit with different pulse duration, specifically with pulses of 1.0 CC (cell-cycle) and 1.5 CC. Fig 4 shows the response of the designed pulse detector circuit with a RBS1:RBS2 ratio of 20 and 4 minutes degradation tag. Although the duration of the pulse was made double (Fig 4(A)) and triple (Fig 4(B)) there was no significant presence of CI2 in the cell to activate the lacZ reporter throughout the pulse. Consequently the lacZ responded only after the pulse was finished making the circuit independent of the pulse duration. We also extensively studied the effect of other ratios of RBS1:RBS2 and strength of degradation tag for these two pulse lengths and the summary of those results are presented in S4 and S5 Figs. The observation was analogous to what we found in case of the pulse duration of ½ cell-cycle–if the circuit is designed with a RBS1:RBS2 ratio of 20 or more and a degradation tag with 4 minutes half-life then it will behave as a perfect pulse detector circuit irrespective to pulse duration.  Fig 4 Response of the pulse detector circuit in Fig 1 for different pulse durations. The RBS1:RBS2 ratio was set to 20 and a deg-tag of 4 minutes was used. Each response in the graph is the average of 20 simulations. (a) The pulse was activated at 10.2 CC (20808 sec) and deactivated at 11.2 CC (22848 sec) [duration 1 bacterial cell-cycle (CC)]. (b) The pulse was activated at 10.2 CC (20808 sec) and deactivated at 11.7 CC (23868 sec) [duration 1 ½ bacterial cell-cycle (CC)].  Design of a counter circuit with the embedded pulse detector After we confirmed the reliability of the pulse detector circuit we fused a lambda memory circuit with it to design a synthetic counter. The bistable characteristic of lambda switch makes it a dependable memory device for recording the count after the pulse has been completed. The overall design of the counter circuit is shown in Fig 5. Initially the lambda memory is in Cro-rich state and retains that state until it is switched to CI-rich state in response to the completion of the pulse. With the beginning of the pulse which is simulated by the induction of the PTetA promoter, mRNAs of both cIDN and cI are transcribed. By the virtue of the stronger RBS1 enough CIDN proteins are translated from cIDN mRNA and those proteins form CIDN-CI dimers with CI monomers and prevent CI to form CI2 and activate the PRM promoter. Now when the pulse finishes, the transcription of cIDN and cI stops and the attached degradation-tag causes CIDN to be removed quickly from the cell allowing CI molecules to form dimers. The CI-dimers interact with the PRM promoter and switch the memory into CI-rich state from Cro-rich state. Once the memory has changed over to CI-rich state the feedback loops of lambda switch retains the memory in that state and thus records the completion of the pulse. Fig 5 The design of the counter circuit. The two components of the design are the falling edge pulse detector circuit shown in Fig 1 and the lambda memory switch. However, for switching from Cro-rich state to CI-rich state we need sufficient amount of CI2 dimers present in the cell. According to some simulations we need approximately 70 ~ 100 nM CI for switching from Cro-rich state to CI-rich state. As shown in earlier sections, the strength ratio between RBS1 and RBS2 needed to be 20 or more to design a working pulse detector circuit. Taking that into consideration we experimented with different strengths of RBS1 and RBS2 so that we have a ratio of 25. We run our simulations under four conditions with [RBS1, RBS2] = [25x, 1x], [50x, 2x], [100x, 4x] and [200x, 8x] where 25x means that the RBS is 25 times stronger than the RBS of wild type cI. In every case, we used the degradation-tag with half-life of 4 minutes. Each simulation was run for 20 times and the summary of the results are shown in Fig 6. According to this simulation, if we have a 8 times stronger RBS attached to cI and a RBS 25 times stronger than that attached to cIDN then we will be able to design a reliable counter circuit with the pulse detector circuit and the lambda memory circuit. Fig 7 shows the average simulation of the circuit with the following setting. Under this setting, in 20 out of 20 runs, the circuit successfully switched from Cro-rich state to CI-rich state. This also advocates the robustness of the counter circuit. Fig 6 Success rate of switching the memory device ON. Each simulation was run 20 times with different [RBS1, RBS2] ratios: [25x,1x], [50x,2x], [100x,4x] and [200x,8x] where 25x means the RBS is 25 times stronger than the RBS in wild type cI. Fig 7 Average simulation of the 1 bit pulse counter circuit. The circuit was simulated for 30 bacterial CC (30X34 minutes). The duration of the pulse was 1.5 CC (1.5X34 minutes) and was activated at 10.2 CC (10.2X34 minutes). In simulation we have shown that it is possible to construct a counter circuit using the designed pulse detector circuit along with the lambda memory switch. However, the usage of lambda switch imposes additional requirements as the Cro-rich state of lambda is very stable and switching it to CI-rich state needs significant amount of CI present in the system. Therefore, we need to use very strong RBS both for cI and cIDN genes so that we can get enough proteins per transcript. Alternatively, we can use a promoter with higher isomerization rate instead of PTetA. We can also consider stabilizing the cI and cIDN mRNAs as well. It is also possible to change the OR regions in lambda switch that makes switching from Cro-rich to CI-rich state easier. Hence, the counter circuit can be constructed by using one of these strategies or applying their combinations altogether. Furthermore, in order to show the robust behavior of the counter circuit in response to the pulse duration, we experimented with various pulse durations–in particular we varied the pulse from 1 CC, 2.5 CC, 5 CC and 10 CC where 1 CC means 1 bacterial cell cycle of 34 minutes. We repeated each simulation 20 times for each setup. The counter circuit exhibited very robust behavior by successfully counting each pulse irrespective to the pulse duration in each experimental run. The average simulation of this 1 bit pulse counter circuit for various pulse durations is shown in the S6 Fig. However, when the pulse duration was set 0.5 CC then in 7 runs out of 20 the circuit failed to switch to CI-rich state or switched back to Cro-rich state. These results indicates that if the pulse duration is very short then the current circuit cannot response, nevertheless, it is possible to design a counter circuit, based on the same principle, that can count shorter pulses by changing system parameters. The simulations in this section indicate that the designed counter circuit is capable of counting a pulse of any duration greater than a minimum limit. The designed counter circuit with the aid of pulse detector circuit can be cascaded for building counters that can count larger numbers. Fig 8 shows a two-counting circuit that makes use of FLP-FRT recombination. The flippase1 is transcribed from the PRM promoter along with YFP and cI once the circuit has switched to CI-rich state (i.e. after it has counted one). The Flippase1 then can remove the terminator allowing the PTetA promoter to transcribe CI and anti-CI proteins from 434. Subsequently the anti434CI and 434CI proteins can behave similar to CI and CIDN and switch 434Cro state to 434CI state interacting with respective promoters. Another FLP-FRT pair (flipppase2) can be added for subsequent counting as shown in Fig 8. Moreover, the capability of the pulse detector circuit to respond to the falling edge of a pulse would enable us designing the asynchronous counter and many other useful synthetic circuits. Fig 8 Design of two or higher bit counters using the pulse detector circuit. Conclusion This work presents a synthetic circuit for detecting the falling edge of a pulse based on the interaction between two proteins. The basic principle of this design is to co-express two proteins from an inducible promoter and one of the proteins will interfere with the activity of the other and prevent the second protein from its usual activity. The first protein will also have a degradation tag attached so that it will be quickly removed from the cell when the induction subdues and thus will allow the second protein to return to its natural action. In our design we used the lambda CI protein and one of its mutants which we call CIDN for designing the pulse detector circuit. The interaction between CI and CIDN has been characterized in laboratory experiments and it was found that the repression of CI by CIDN occurs in a dose dependent manner . Using stochastic simulation we showed that by selecting the RBS sites associated with cI and cIDN and the degradation-tag attached to cIDN we can construct a pulse detecting circuit that is robust to pulse duration. Since the biological events are not precisely timed, a pulse detecting circuit that can work irrespective to pulse duration would be very attractive to synthetic biologists. Fusing the pulse detector with lambda memory circuit we constructed a counter that can count the completion of an event. In our simulation the counter exhibited robust behavior. The design is generalized enough to be extended for constructing counter capable of counting higher numbers. Furthermore, the pulse detecting circuit can also be used for designing asynchronous biological counters. The presented design is a new control mechanism for synthetic biology. The design principle can be used for many other circuits for detecting the completion of an event. Most of the verification of the design has been done in simulation but model based design has been used in previously designed synthetic circuits (e.g. toggle switch, repressilator). However, the results generated by the model could be successfully reproduced in experiments only after tuning the circuit. Although stochastic models represents the biological systems more closely compared to the deterministic models (e.g. differential equation based model), it is expected that some tuning of the model would be necessary to implement it in experiments . Therefore, the designed pulse detecting circuit can be constructed in vivo perhaps with some necessary adjustments and can play as a valuable component for synthetic biology. Methods We used a reaction based model for simulating different components of our circuits. Each model consists of a set of chemical reaction and we used Gillespie algorithm  for stochastic simulation of each model. The basic components of different models are: homo-dimerization of CI and Cro proteins and hetero-dimerization of CI-CIDN proteins, binding of CI2 and Cro2 dimers to OR operator sites (OR1, OR2 and OR3), binding of RNA polymerase to PRM, PR and PTetA promoters, isomerization of different promoters, transcription of cI and cIDN, cro and lacZ from respective promoters and translation of those transcripts corresponding to associated RBS sites, degradation of mRNA molecules and protein monomers and dimers according to their half-life or attached degradation-tag’s half-life respectively. All the model parameters are set using biochemical data. Most of the parameters came from the model of lambda switch by Morelli.                  X O  110 110 110  110   Astrophysical and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Exploring the operation of hydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamics processes in a variety of contexts, including the ocean and atmosphere, planets, stars, accretion discs, the interstellar medium, and galaxy clusters, as well as in more idealised, generic, contexts. Planets, stars and galaxies contain electrically conducting fluids or plasmas. Motions in these fluids induce magnetic fields, which can significantly affect the structure, activity, evolution and other basic properties of the bodies concerned. Although the fundamental equations governing these processes are thought to be known, the phenomena that arise in different objects and regimes vary greatly, and the detailed mechanisms involved are still the subject of vigorous research. The object load is interest include: planetary dynamos geomagnetic field reversals magnetic torques in accretion discs binary stars galactic dynamos interstellar turbulence magnetic Taylor–Couette flow                                           Particle Astrophysics One of the goals of Particle Astrophysics is to use the early universe to test the consistency of new developments in particle physics and quantum gravity. An example is the five dimensional brane-world theory that has arisen from superstring models. We are also investigating the effects of quantum gravity on particle physics experiments. We learn to satellite observations of the universe today. This enables us to explain the pictures of the universe taken by microwave satellites, and also provides a set of initial conditions for galaxy formation, linking in with research areas in astrophysical fluid dynamics. _________________________________________________________________________________                                                                                                                       Pro - Life                                  e- Locker Detector in Point Virtual Matrix and Human Stem Cells __________________________________________________________________________________

One of the ways Deep Learning can be used in business is to improve the accuracy of time series forecasts (prediction). We recently showed how a Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) Models developed with the Keras library in R could be used to take advantage of autocorrelation to predict the next 10 years of monthly Sunspots (a solar phenomenon that’s tracked by NASA). In this article, we teamed up with RStudio to take another look at the Sunspots data set, this time implementing some really advanced Deep Learning functionality available with TensorFlow for R. Sigrid Keydana, TF Developer Advocate at RStudio, put together an amazing Deep Learning tutorial using keras for implementing Keras in R and tfruns, a suite of tools for trackingtracking, visualizing, and managing TensorFlow training runs and experiments from R. Sounds amazing, right? It is! Let’s get started with this Deep Learning Tutorial! Related Articles In This Series Time Series Deep Learning: Forecasting Sunspots With Keras Stateful LSTM In R You can also find this article on RStudio’s TensorFlow Blog. Learning Trajectory In this DEEP LEARNING TUTORIAL_, you will learn: How Time Series Deep Learning can be used in business Forecasting Sunspots With Deep Learning How To Build The LSTM Backtesting The LSTM Model In fact, one of the coolest things you’ll develop is this plot of backtested LSTM forecasts. Backtested LSTM Forecasts Time Series Deep Learning In Business Introduction by Matt Dancho, Founder of Business Science Time Series Forecasting is a key area that can lead to Return On Investment (ROI) in a business. Think about this: A 10% improvement in forecast accuracy can save an organization millions of dollars. How is this possible? Let’s find out. We’ll take NVIDIA, a semiconductor manufacturer that manufactures state-of-the-art chips for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Learning (DL), as an example. NVIDIA builds Graphics Processing Unitis or GPUs, which are necessary for the computational intensitity resulting from the massive number of numerical calculations required in high-performance Deep Learning. The chips look like this. Source: NVIDIA USA Like all manufacturers, NVIDIA needs to forecast demand for their products. Why? So they can build the right amount of chips to supply their customers. This forecast is critical and it takes a lot of skill and some luck to get this right. What we are talking about is the Sales Forecast, which drives every manufacturing decision that NVIDIA makes. This includes how much raw material to purchase, how many people to have on staff to build the chips, and how much machining and assembly operations to budget. The more error in the sales forecast, the more unnecessary cost NVIDIA experiences because all of these activities (supply chain, inventory management, financial planning, etc) get thrown off! Time Series Deep Learning For Business Time Series Deep Learning is amazingly accurate on data that has a high presence of autocorrelation because algorithms including LSTMs and GRUs can learn information from sequences regardless of when the pattern occurred. These special RNNs are designed to have a long memory meaning that they excel at learning patterns from both recent observations and observeration that occurred long ago. This makes them perfect for time series! But are they great for sales data? Maybe. Let’s discuss. Sales data comes in all flavors, but often it has seasonal patterns and trend. The trend can be flat, linear, exponential, etc. This is typically not where the LSTM will have success, but other traditional forecasting methods can detect trend. However, seasonality is different. Seasonality in sales data is a pattern that can happen at multiple frequencies (annual, quarterly, monthly, weekly, and even daily). The LSTM is great at detecting seasonality because it often has autocorrelation. Therefore, LSTM’s and GRU’s can be great options to help improve seasonality detection, and therefore reduce overall forecast error in the Sales Forecast. About The Authors This DEEP LEARNING TUTORIAL was a combined effort: Sigrid Keydana and Matt Dancho. Sigrid is the TensorFlow Developer Advocate at RStudio, where she develops amazing deep learning using the R TensorFlow API. She’s passionate about deep learning, machine learning and statistics, R, Linux and functional programming. In a short period of time, I’ve developed a tremendous respect for Sigrid. You’ll see why when you walk through the R TensorFlow code in this tutorial You know me (Matt). I’m the Founder of Business Science where I strive for one mission: To empower Data scientists interested in Business and Finance. Deep Learning for Time Series Forecasting: Predicting Sunspot Frequency with Keras By Sigrid Keydana, TensorFlow Developer Advocate at RStudio, And Matt Dancho, Founder of Business Science Forecasting sunspots with deep learning In this post we will examine making time series predictions using the sunspots dataset that ships with base R. Sunspots are dark spots on the sun, associated with lower temperature. Here’s an image from NASA showing the solar phenomenon. Source: NASA We’re using the monthly version of the dataset, sunspots.month (there is a yearly version, too). It contains 265 years worth of data (from 1749 through 2013) on the number of sunspots per month. Forecasting this dataset is challenging because of high short term variability as well as long-term irregularities evident in the cycles. For example, maximum amplitudes reached by the low frequency cycle differ a lot, as does the number of high frequency cycle steps needed to reach that maximum low frequency cycle height. Our post will focus on two dominant aspects: how to apply deep learning to time series forecasting, and how to properly apply cross validation in this domain. For the latter, we will use the rsample package that allows to do resampling on time series data. As to the former, our goal is not to reach utmost performance but to show the general course of action when using recurrent neural networks to model this kind of data. Recurrent neural networks When our data has a sequential structure, it is recurrent neural networks (RNNs) we use to model it. As of today, among RNNs, the best established architectures are the GRU (Gated Recurrent Unit) and the LSTM (Long Short Term Memory). For today, let’s not zoom in on what makes them special, but on what they have in common with the most stripped-down RNN: the basic recurrence structure. In contrast to the prototype of a neural network, often called Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), the RNN has a state that is carried on over time. This is nicely seen in this diagram from Goodfellow et al., a.k.a. the “bible of deep learning”: At each time, the state is a combination of the current input and the previous hidden state. This is reminiscent of autoregressive models, but with neural networks, there has to be some point where we halt the dependence. That’s because in order to determine the weights, we keep calculating how our loss changes as the input changes. Now if the input we have to consider, at an arbitrary timestep, ranges back indefinitely - then we will not be able to calculate all those gradients. In practice, then, our hidden state will, at every iteration, be carried forward through a fixed number of steps. We’ll come back to that as soon as we’ve loaded and pre-processed the data. Setup, pre-processing, and exploration Libraries Here, first, are the libraries needed for this tutorial. # Core Tidyverse library(tidyverse) library(glue) library(forcats) # Time Series library(timetk) library(tidyquant) library(tibbletime) # Visualization library(cowplot) # Preprocessing library(recipes) # Sampling / Accuracy library(rsample) library(yardstick) # Modeling library(keras) library(tfruns)If you have not previously run Keras in R, you will need to install Keras using the install_keras() function. # Install Keras if you have not installed before install_keras()Data sunspot.month is a ts class (not tidy), so we’ll convert to a tidy data set using the tk_tbl() function from timetk. We use this instead of as.tibble() from tibble to automatically preserve the time series index as a zoo yearmon index. Last, we’ll convert the zoo index to date using lubridate::as_date() (loaded with tidyquant) and then change to a tbl_time object to make time series operations easier. sun_spots % tk_tbl() %>% mutate(index = as_date(index)) %>% as_tbl_time(index = index) sun_spots# A time tibble: 3,177 x 2 # Index: index index value 1 1749-01-01 58 2 1749-02-01 62.6 3 1749-03-01 70 4 1749-04-01 55.7 5 1749-05-01 85 6 1749-06-01 83.5 7 1749-07-01 94.8 8 1749-08-01 66.3 9 1749-09-01 75.9 10 1749-10-01 75.5 # ... with 3,167 more rows Exploratory data analysis The time series is long (265 years!). We can visualize the time series both in full, and zoomed in on the first 10 years to get a feel for the series. Visualizing sunspot data with cowplot We’ll make two ggplots and combine them using cowplot::plot_grid(). Note that for the zoomed in plot, we make use of tibbletime::time_filter(), which is an easy way to perform time-based filtering. p1 % ggplot(aes(index, value)) + geom_point(color = palette_light()[[1]], alpha = 0.5) + theme_tq() + labs( title = "From 1749 to 2013 (Full Data Set)" ) p2 % filter_time("start" ~ "1800") %>% ggplot(aes(index, value)) + geom_line(color = palette_light()[[1]], alpha = 0.5) + geom_point(color = palette_light()[[1]]) + geom_smooth(method = "loess", span = 0.2, se = FALSE) + theme_tq() + labs( title = "1749 to 1759 (Zoomed In To Show Changes over the Year)", caption = "datasets::sunspot.month" ) p_title

This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you click the links and make a purchase I may receive compensation at no additional cost to you. I do not recommend any companies that I do not persoanlly use and love. Please read our disclaimer for more info. So as a special education teacher, I feel like I am constantly surrounded by paperwork and junk.  I have piles and piles of paperwork waiting to be filed, manipulatives that I’ve never used, and enough pens and pencils to supply a small army.  This year I am trying to be better about de-cluttering my house and my office.  Maybe I’ll share an article about de-cluttering my house another time. Here are some tips for what to save and what to part ways with. Save: Testing Information For this category, it is important to know your state laws and your district’s procedures.  But personally, I save my testing protocols for 7 years and then shred them.  Since I haven’t been working for seven years yet, I haven’t actually shredded any yet, but this is the rules based on my special education director and the state and federal laws that I fall under. I keep them tucked away where they are not something I am constantly stumbling upon and they don’t bother me.  I have a drawer in one of my filing cabinets and I keep all of my old testing protocols organized by year. Throw Away: Student Information from Previous School Years First of all a disclosure when I get rid of student info I always shred it.  But, at the end of the year, I box everything up that the following years’ teachers may need and I pass it along.  Anything else that I have, work samples, notes, etc.  can be rid of.  The only exception to this is if I need something as data for my teacher evaluation because those span two years.  But those things I file, save somewhere safe, back up the file to my Google Drive, and dispose of the hard copies. Save: HR Paperwork I save all the paperwork that I am given from the central office and human resources.  If I am appointed to a stipend position, I save the letter.  I save timecards that I’ve had to pass in.  I save anything that I may need to re-certify.  Anything that I may need later to prove something that I was told or appointed for just in case there is ever a discrepancy in my paycheck. Throw Away: Handouts from Old Curriculum I had a paraprofessional retire.  When she retired she told me so graciously that I could have everything in her filing cabinets.  When I went into her filing cabinets, she had multiple copies of every study guide and worksheet she had ever used dating back years. I started the project of cleaning out her things thinking I had found a gold mine.  In the end, I realized that there was very little in there that was still relevant to the current curriculum. Save: Evaluation Paperwork Massachusetts has an annual teacher evaluation program.  I save all information relating to this.  In the past three years, we have switched computer software for this three times.  Each time we lose everything that has been uploaded into the system.  Because of this, I save hard copies of all of this information just in case I have to prove that I have completed all of my professional requirements. Throw Away: OLD PENS AND MARKERS! This one is in caps because this one is hard for me.  I have a whole drawer of pens and I recently realized that I never use them.  Instead, I keep buying new ones!  Why!?  At the end of the year last year I went through every single pen and marker, I tested each one, and when I was done I threw out anyone that was even partially dried up.  A dead pen is not going to come back and it is time to part ways! Also, Check Out: How to Get Control of Your Classroom What’s in my Teacher Bag Get your free IEP summary page! Subscribe to get our latest content by email. Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription. There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. First Name Email Address We use this field to detect spam bots. If you fill this in, you will be marked as a spammer. Get your download! We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by Kit

Description Su-34 (Su-27IB) Flanker Fighter Bomber Aircraft, Russia The Su-34 (also known as Su-27IB) fighter bomber has been developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau Joint Stock Company in Moscow and the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association at Novosibirsk in Russia. The Russian Air Force has ordered an initial 18 Su-34 aircraft, with a total requirement for up to 200 aircraft. The first two production aircraft were delivered to the Russian Air Force in December 2006. Full-rate production began in January 2008. 24 Su-34 aircraft are expected to be in operational service in 2010. In January 2008 the Russian Air Force stated that 70 aircraft would be procured by 2015. The Su-34 replaces for Tu-23M and Su-24 aircraft. Su-34 is one of a number of Russian aircraft, Su-27, Su-30, Su-33 and Su-35, which have been given the Nato codename Flanker. "The Su-34 fighter bomber is armed with a 30mm GSh-301 gun and 180 rounds of ammunition." The Su-34 fighter bomber is a derivative of the Su-27 fighter aircraft. The aircraft design retains the basic layout and construction of the Su-27 airframe, with a conventional high-wing configuration and a substantial part of the onboard equipment. The Su-34 has a changed contour of the nose section to accommodate an advanced multi-mode phased array radar with terrain following and terrain avoidance modes. It has a two-seat rather than single-seat cockpit. The capacity of the internal fuel tanks has been increased with a resulting increased take-off weight. Changes have been made to the central tail boom for a rear-facing radar. Su-34 cockpit The cockpit has two K-36DM zero/zero ejection seats side by side for the pilot and co-pilot. The seats are supplied by Zvesda Research and Production Enterprise Joint Stock Company, Moscow. The multifunction displays in the cockpit show the flight parameters, the operational status of the aircraft units and tactical data. Weapons The Su-34 is armed with a 30mm GSh-301 gun and 180 rounds of ammunition. The gun has a maximum rate of fire of 1,500 rounds a minute and the muzzle velocity is 860m/sec. The gun is supplied by the Instrument Design Bureau in Tula. The aircraft has ten hardpoints for weapon payloads and is able to carry a range of missiles including air-to-air, air-to-surface, anti-ship and anti-radiation missiles, guided and unguided bombs, and rockets. The aircraft is fitted with a target designator. The R-73 (Nato codename AA-11 Archer) short-range air-to-air missile is supplied by the Vympel State Engineering design Bureau in Moscow. The R-73 is an all-aspect missile capable of engaging targets in tail-chase or head-on mode. The missile has cooled infrared homing. The R-73 attacks the target within target designation angles of ±45° and with angular rates up to 60° a second. The missile can intercept targets at altitudes between 0.02km and 20km, target g-load to 12g, and with target speeds to 2,500km/h. The RVV-AE long-range air-to-air missile, also known as the RR-77 or by the Nato designation AA-12, is manufactured by Vympel. The missile can intercept targets at speeds up to 3,600km/h and altitudes from 0.02km to 25km. The minimum range in the aft hemisphere is 300m and the maximum vertical separation between the host aircraft and the target is 10km. The RR-77 has inertial guidance with mid-course radio updates and terminal active guidance. A new, longer-range (150km) version of the R-77, with solid fuel ram-jet propulsion, is being tested by Vympel. The Su-34 carries a range of precision-guided and unguided bombs and rockets, including the KAB-500 laser-guided bomb developed by the Region State Research and Production Enterprise based in Moscow. "The Russian Air Force has ordered an initial 18 Su-34 fighter bombers." Systems The Su-34 is equipped with an electro-optical fire control system supplied by the Urals Optical and Mechanical Plant (YOM3) and a Geofizika FLIR (forward-looking infrared) pod. Leninetz of St Petersburg supplies the passive phased array radar system and TsNIRTI the electronic countermeasures suite. Engines First production aircraft are powered by two after-burning NPO Saturn AL-31F turbofan engines. Later aircraft may be fitted with MMPP Salyut AL-31F-M2/3 or NPO Saturn 117 engines. They are mounted under the wing and are equipped with all-duty fixed geometry air intakes. A rotor protection installed in the air intakes provides protection against the ingestion of foreign objects. The aircraft can carry 12,100kg of fuel internally in two fuel tanks in the wings and four in the fuselage. Three external fuel tanks, each with a capacity of 3,000l, can also be fitted. The aircraft can achieve a speed of 1,900km/h (Mach 1.6) at altitude and 1,300km/h (Mach 1) at sea level. Specifications (Su-34) top and side view Data from Sukhoi data,[16] Gordon and Davison[17] AF Technology[18] General characteristics * Crew: Two * Length: 23.34 m (72 ft 2 in) * Wingspan: 14.7 m (48 ft 3 in) * Height: 6.09 m (19 ft 5 in) * Loaded weight: 39,000 kg (85,980 lb) * Useful load: 8,000 kg (17,600 lb) * Max takeoff weight: 45,100 kg (99,425 lb) * Powerplant: 2× Lyulka AL-35F turbofans, 137.2 kN (30,845 lbf) with afterburner each Performance * Maximum speed: o High altitude: Mach 1.8 (1,900 km/h, 1,180 mph) o Low altitude: Mach 1.2 (1,400 km/h, 870 mph) at sea level * Combat radius: 1,100 km (680 mi) * Ferry range: 4,000 km (2,490 mi) * Service ceiling: 15,000 m (49,200 ft) * Wing loading: 629 kg/m² (129 lb/ft² * Thrust/weight: 0.68 Armament * 1 × 30 mm GSh-30-1 (9A-4071K) cannon, 150 rounds * 2 × wingtip rails for R-73 (AA-11 'Archer' air-to-air missiles * 10 × wing and fuselage stations for up to 8,000 kg (17,630 lb) of ordnance, including Kh-29L/T, Kh-25MT/ML, Kh-25MP, Kh-36, Kh-38, Kh-41, Kh-59M, Kh-58, Kh-31P, Kh-35 Ural, Kh-41, Kh-65S, Kh-SD, 2 Moskit, 3 × Jachont air-to-ground missiles, KAB-500L/KR or KAB-1500L guided bombs, unguided bombs, B-8 rocket pods with 20 × 80 mm S-8 rockets, B-13 rocket pods with 5 × 122 mm S-13 rockets, O-25 rocket pods with 1 × 340 mm S-25 rocket, fuel tanks, EW- and reconnaissance pods.

Rural residents often must rely on individual waste treatment systems. Learn about the features and functions of an individual plant or package treatment system for handling residential sewage in this guide. | .image-content-float-right { font-size:90% !important; font-weight: 700; line-height:1.2;}Reviewed by David BruneDepartment of Agricultural EngineeringCharles D. Fulhage and Donald L. PfostDepartment of Agricultural EngineeringThe best method of handling residential sewage is through a properly designed and operated community or municipal treatment system. But many areas of Missouri have population densities so low that installation costs prohibit using community systems. In these areas, families must rely on individual waste treatment systems.There are three generally recognized methods of handling wastes from a rural residence. They are the stabilization lagoon, the septic tank and the individual aerobic treatment plant.This publication describes features and functions of the individual plant or package treatment system.Individual package plants are a relatively new development in waste handling. Most units available today have been on the market less than 10 years. In spite of claims, the following general statements can be made about all individual package systems.Effluent, discharged fluid, from these systems is not clean water. It is a potential pollutant and must be handled appropriately.Each system has some mechanical parts that require periodic checks, maintenance and repair. There is no such thing as a completely trouble-free, maintenance-free sewage treatment system.Individual package treatment systems cost more to install and operate than other types of approved individual systems.Aerobic processAll package treatment plants use the aerobic (with oxygen) digestion process to treat sewage. In this process, oxygen-using bacteria attack and break down the organic portions of the sewage into simpler inorganic compounds. Aerobic treatment is preferred because it is rapid and relatively odor free. It also provides greater solids reduction.Septic tank systems rely on the anaerobic (without oxygen) breakdown process that is less efficient. It produces the characteristic septic odor.Package plants maintain aerobic conditions by introducing air into the tank. This can be done in either of two ways. Some manufacturers use an external air compressor to bubble air through the sewage. Others draw air into the sewage by using either a pump or a stirring device that functions much the same as a high-speed food mixer or blender.Figure 1. Treatment in a package plant.Treatment in the package plant is accomplished in three stages (Figure 1). In the first stage, raw sewage enters the system and larger particles are settled out or broken up mechanically to increase their surface area and make them more accessible to the aerobic bacteria.Some systems make use of a separate anaerobic bacteria treatment chamber where anaerobic bacteria help break down the larger particles. Anaerobic treatment chambers require periodic pumping of sludge.The second phase of the treatment consists of mechanical aeration. Oxygen-containing air is mixed and blended with mixtures of solids and liquid. During this period, aerobic bacteria reduce the sewage into simple compounds."Figure 2. Section of an aerobic chamber that uses an aerobic chamber to provide initial breakdown of solids. A stirring device provides the aeration.Figure 3. Section view of an aerobic treatment system. The system uses the agitation of the aerobic chamber to break up solids in the raw sewage. An air pump or compressor provides aeration.The final step is the settling or clarification chamber. Treated sewage from the aeration process is emptied into this chamber where the heavier solids in the sewage settle. These solids are returned to the aeration chamber for further processing. The clarified liquid from this chamber either flows or is pumped out of the treatment plant (Figure 2 and Figure 3).Plant locationPackage treatment plants contain and process a material that is a potential health hazard. Care should be exercised in locating the plant so there is little danger of contaminating any public or private water supply. Plants should not be located within 10 feet of any building foundation, property line or pressurized water line. They should not be located within 50 feet of a well, water supply or stream. If possible, the treatment system should be located so that sewage can flow into it by gravity.SizingUnits are sized based on expected loading, their ability to mix oxygen with sewage, and a designed retention time. Most manufacturers specify capacity in terms of the number of people or number of bedrooms served. If a garbage disposal unit is used in the house, increase capacity by 50 percent. The Health Department recommends a minimum of 150 gallons per bedroom or 500 gallons per house.Effluent disposalEffluent from the package treatment plant is a potential pollutant. It contains nearly all of the nutrient materials in the original raw sewage, bacteria, and some amount of untreated or partially treated sewage. If it is indiscriminately discharged into the waters of the state, as defined by Missouri statutes, you may be held in violation of the law. There should be no direct surface discharge from one's property.The most satisfactory method of effluent disposal is controlled application to a soil/plant filter. The plant growth can use the nutrients and soil bacteria to complete the purification process. Effluent discharged into a well-sodded, level terrace is one way to accomplish this.For information on the design and installation of a settling terrace, contact your local MU Extension center or the Natural Resources Conservation Service.If terrace installation is not possible, effluent may be collected in a sump area and distributed through a sprinkler system. This system provides a limited amount of irrigation during dry weather.A third method is the subsurface disposal field. Design, construct and operate this system like a septic tank disposal field.MaintenanceAll sewage treatment systems require some degree of management and maintenance. Package plants are no exception. Regularly check to make sure that all parts of the system are functioning in good repair. Use your owner's manual to guide your inspection.Many package plants require periodic removal of accumulated undigested solids. Use your inspection and manufacturer's recommendations to determine pumpout intervals and the amount to be pumped.CautionUse care in pumping out tanks during wet periods when soils are saturated. Partially empty tanks may float out of the ground unless precautions are taken to hold them down.Before you buyThe National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) has a series of standards for construction and performance of individual aerobic treatment plants. It recommends that you consider only systems that meet or exceed these standards.Some of the NSF standards are:Use durable products designed to withstand normal operating conditions.Include a visible or audible alarm system to warn of system failure.Use the system's specified power requirements. Most systems require the same amount of electricity as a frost-free refrigerator.Have complete instructions for proper installation and operation on hand.Make sure the system has a one-year warranty and an initial two-year service contract that specifies regular inspection calls and quality checks.Stock extra parts for temporary installation in the event that components of your system have to be removed to the dealer's shop or factory for repair.

From the award-winning magazine, Martha Stewart Living, to the bestselling product lines that bear her name, Martha Stewart shares the creative principles and practical ideas that have made her America's most trusted guide to stylish living. Millions of consumers rely on Martha Stewart as their arbiter of style and good taste and their guide to all aspects of everyday living - from cooking and entertaining to decorating and home renovating, and much more. Martha's unique business sense and creative vision form the framework for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Incorporated, the company she founded in 1997 and took public in 1999, making her a billionaire. Martha became Chairman and CEO of the eponymous corporation and was also the primary stockholder. The company's expansive, award-winning, multimedia portfolio includes Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, Everyday Food and Whole Living magazines, the marthastewart.com website,  an Emmy-Award-winning television show (The Martha Stewart Show) Martha Stewart Living Radio on SIRIUS Satellite Radio and more than 75 bestselling books published by Clarkson Potter. In addition to its media properties, MSLO offers high-quality Martha Stewart products, including the Martha Stewart Collection of home products at Macy's, Martha Stewart Crafts products with EK Success at Michael's and independent retailers, Martha Stewart floor designs with Flor, Martha Stewart homes with KB Homes and much more. In April, 2008, Emeril Legasse joined the Martha Stewart family of brands; MSLO acquired the assets related to Legasse's media and merchandising businesses, including television programming, cookbooks, emerils.com website and his licensed kitchen and food products. Martha is also founder of the Martha Stewart Foundation, a charity organization that functions primarily to assist women achieve their entrepreneurial dreams as well as fund geriatric research and lifestyle improvement for the elderly. She is founder of the Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. The center is an outpatient facility for geriatric medicine, providing clinical care and education for patients, offering training for physicians and coordinating healthy-aging research and practices. Martha was inspired to create the center by her mother, Martha Kostyra, who remained active and engaged in life to the age of 93. MARTHA'S PERSONAL LIFE: Martha Helen Kostyra was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on August 3, 1941 to parents Edward and Martha Kostyra. She is the second child in a family of six children: older brother Erik and younger siblings Kathy, George, Frank and Laura. Martha grew up in the New Jersey suburb of Nutley in a modest three-bedroom house on Elm Place. She credits her parents with teaching her most of what she considers today to be life's most essential lessons, although she was an excellent student at school as well, joining numerous clubs and extra-curricular activities. She began modelling as a teenager for several publications and department stores, and even starred in a television commercial for Life Buoy Soap. She won a partial scholarship to study art and architectural history at Barnard College in New York City. She married Andrew (Andy) Stewart, a young law student, on July 1, 1961 - the same year she was named by Glamour magazine as one of America's ten "Best Dressed College Girls." Martha took a year off school and continued to model while Andy finished his law degree at Yale. In 1963 she returned to college to finish her degree and in 1964 gave birth to her first and only child - her daughter, Alexis Stewart. In 1967 Martha began a career as a stockbroker, working for the firm Monness, Horstman, Williams, and Sidel and became one of the highest-paid and most successful women in the business at the time, earning a salary well over $100,000. Her days as a stockbroker were short lived, however, and only six years later Martha left the business to become a full-time mother and homemaker. By this time, the young family had moved to Westport, Connecticut, where they had purchased a run-down 1805 farmhouse on Turkey Hill Road, which they painstakingly restored. In 1976 Martha started a catering business in her basement with a friend from her modeling days, Norma Collier. The venture, which was called "An Uncatered Affair", quickly became successful. Norma eventually left the company and Martha bought out her portion of the business and continued to be successful on her own. Martha was also hired as the manager of a gourmet food store, The Market Basket, at the Common Market which she transformed into a booming success. Meanwhile, Martha's husband had become the president of prominent New York City publisher Harry N. Abrams, Inc. In 1977, Andy Stewart was responsible for releasing the English-language edition of The Secret Book of Gnomes series, by Dutch authors Wil Huygen and Rien Poortvliet, which quickly became a success and a New York Times Best Seller. Andy Stewart contracted Martha's company to cater the book release party, where she was introduced to Alan Mirken, the head of Crown Publishing Group. Mirken was impressed by Martha's talent and later contacted her to develop a cookbook featuring recipes and photos from the parties that Martha was hosting. The result was Entertaining, a lavish, fully-illustrated coffee table book ghostwritten by long-time fashion maven Elizabeth Hawes. From there, word of her skills and business grew rapidly. Entertaining became a New York Times Best Seller, and eventually became the best selling cookbook since Julia Child and Simone Beck's Mastering the Art of French Cooking, released two decades earlier. Following Entertaining's success Martha released many more books under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint, including Martha Stewart's Quick Cook (1983), Martha Stewart's Hors D'oeuvres (1984), Martha Stewart's Pies & Tarts (1985), Weddings (1987), The Wedding Planner (1988), Martha Stewart's Quick Cook Menus (1988), Martha Stewart's Christmas (1989), and many others. During this time she also authored dozens of newspaper columns, magazine articles and other pieces on homemaking. In 1987 she became a spokeswoman for Kmart and developed a new line of Martha Stewart housewares for the retailer, called Martha Stewart Everyday. Martha initially lent only her name and face to the brand, but quickly began to lead the design and style of the merchandise, putting her uncompromising standards and excellent taste to good use. She made numerous television appearances on Kmart commercials and starred in several cooking, entertaining, restoration and holiday specials for PBS that she produced with a colleague. She was soon a staple on the talkshow circuit, appearing on such shows as The Oprah Winfrey Show, David Letterman and Larry King Live. She separated from her husband in 1989 and later divorced, a painful period in her life, which she says she still regrets.  In 1990 she signed with Time Publishing Ventures to develop a new magazine, Martha Stewart Living, for which she served as editor in chief. The first issue was released in late 1990 with an initial rate base of 250,000. Circulation would peak in 2002 at more than 2 million. In 1993, she began a weekly half-hour service program based on her magazine, which was quickly expanded to a full hour, and later to a daily format, with half-hour episodes on weekends. The syndicated program, also called Martha Stewart Living, won nine Emmy Awards in its 11 years on the air and was nominated for 22 others. Martha also became a frequent contributor to CBS's The Early Show, and starred in several prime time holiday specials on the CBS network. On the cover of their May 1995 issue, New York Magazine declared Martha "the definitive American woman of our time." But in 2004 Martha served five months prison time after being found guilty on four criminal counts related to a lengthy and much-publicized insider-trading investigation. She also served five months of house arrest and had to pay a fine. She also had to step down as Chairman and CEO of the company she founded. Martha appealed the conviction but lost. She maintains to this day, however, that the conviction was a wrongful one and says that she is innocent. After her prison stint, Martha was temporarily  barred from serving as an officer of her company by the SEC. Today, however, she is back on the board of directors and is still very much involved in the direction and management of MSLO.  She resurrected her presence by starring in two new television series, both produced by Mark Burnett: a daily live program called The Martha Stewart Show and The Apprentice: Martha Stewart, a primetime adjunct to Donald Trump's hit reality series. Martha currently has four residences (three in New York State and one in Maine) and she continues to contribute her ideas and vision to her company and its many ventures. PHOTO GALLERY: MARTHA THROUGH THE AGES

Description The present invention relates to an exoskeletal backpack system and an articulating connector therefor. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Internal frame backpack systems consist of no external framework, rather a variety of semi-flexible inner structures (rod, strut or sheet) are incorporated within the back of the pack with the intention to support or direct the axial load to the lower spine, pelvis, or hips/thighs. However, in actuality a much greater percentage of the axial load is directed to the upper spine, shoulders and neck anatomy as the load typically hangs from the user's shoulders. This is due to the lacking or inefficient system of support by the backpack and the internal framing to direct the axial loads away from the upper anatomy to the more preferable lower spinal, pelvic/hip anatomy. Due to reduced system rigidity, movements and ranges-of-motions of the user may be minimally improved compared to the external frame system, however, the improvement comes at the cost of efficient load support. Given the greatly reduced efficiency and capabilities of load support of the internal frame system, the gear and items that make up the load within the backpack must be packed tightly in an effort to increase interior pressures or tensions to improve support as well as stability. This is only minimally effective and has the negative results of increased wear to the pack materials, and the gear and items that make up the load. The internal frame systems are typically of reduced durability and weight compared to the external frame systems. Internal frame systems typically hang close to the user, impeding airflow, resulting in moisture and heat retention. U.S. Pat. No. 4,479,595 to Opsal discloses an internal backpack with an internal central vertical stay of which is attached at the distal end to a free floating waist band that allows for triplanar motion (frontal/sagittal/transverse). Motion is achieved via the flexible nature of the connector fabric. U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,776 to Furnary discloses an internal frame backpack in which the length of the shoulder straps automatically adjust to length when the wearer twists his or her torso, thereby allowing limited torso transverse plane (axial rotation) motion. Additionally, the elastic nature of the shoulder straps allows unilateral shoulder/arm motion in the superior direction. External frame backpack systems consist of an outer frame to which the pack bags are attached. External frame systems are quite rigid. This allows for the ideal of increased support of the load by directing the axial load forces specifically to the lower spinal, pelvic/hip architecture. This results in the support of the axial load by the larger and stronger bony and muscular anatomy of the lower spine, pelvis and hips/thighs, rather than the smaller, weaker upper spinal, shoulder, and neck anatomy. The high rigidity of the frame materials allows greater stability of the load compared to internal frame backpacks. In addition, greater load capacities are possible, due to the high-strength and high-durability of the frame materials when compared to internal frame systems. The rigidity of the external frame system, however, also functions to limit the normal movements and ranges-of-motions of the user during use. The natural dynamics and kinesiology of the user during ambulation are forced to fight the opposing dynamics and strength and rigidity of the external frame. This requires greatly increased energy expenditures by the user, resulting in greatly reduced speed, endurance, comfort and overall satisfaction of the experience. The external frame system is typically of greater weight when compared to the internal frame system. U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,763 to Blaisdell et al discloses a backpack system having upper and lower modules that are connected by a three-axes ball joint assembly. This joint assembly permits free movement of the hips relative to the shoulders in all directions while transmitting the load to the hips. The external framework and packs are held away from the user, allowing improved airflow, thus improved dryness and heat escape when compared to the internal frame system. Although internal frame backpack systems and external frame backpack systems provide improved loading distribution relative to non-self supporting fabric backpack having no frame, there is still a need for a backpack system that optimally ensures that the load is directed to the user's lower anatomy, which is the portion of the user's anatomy best suited for load support. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The riser system of the present invention is configured to allow normal movements and ranges-of-motions while the load is directed to the user's lower anatomy best suited for load support. The dynamics of the loaded backpack are isolated from the dynamics of the user's body, thereby dramatically reducing the user's energy expenditures to control, contain or overpower the load's movements, moments and oscillations during ambulation. The load is uniquely allowed to have the dynamics that physics requires of it, but without sacrificing the normal gait mechanics and dynamics of the user, or overburdening the user with excessive energy demands to overcome the load's opposing forces. The riser system of the present invention incorporates high-tech composite superstructures that are extremely lightweight, high in strength/durability, and high in load capacity. The strategically variable flexibility/rigidity of the superstructures combined with triplanar (frontal, sagittal, transverse planes) pelvic articulation and shoulder extensions allows the user to function independently from the loaded backpack with unencumbered kinesiology and unprecedented body mobility and ranges-of-motions, while retaining high stability of the load. Unique design features of the Riser system of the present invention, including moisture and heat escape, and elimination of isolated points of pressure, ensure maximized comfort. Novel modular pack bag designs allow greatly improved ease of use and customization for the immediate need. The riser system of the present invention is designed to allow a high degree of customization of the system's fit, level of support, load capacity, and flexibility/rigidity characteristics according to each individual use. This allows the riser system of the present invention to function ideally across many different uses and demands. The riser system of the present invention preferably incorporates suitable materials, including, for example, pre-impregnated carbon fiber for high strength to weight ratio, controlled flexibility/rigidity, and energy storage and return properties. According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a riser system which includes a base portion. The base portion is configured to be carried by a user. A supported portion is also included. The supported portion includes a user engagement element which is at a spacing from the articulating connector in a riser direction perpendicular to the lateral direction. An articulating connector is also provided. The supported portion is mounted to the base portion by the articulating connector for articulated movement of the supported portion relative to the base portion. The base portion is connected to the articulating connector at a base connection location and the supported portion is connected to the articulating connector at a riser connection location. The base connection location and the riser connection location are spaced from one another in a lateral direction. The articulating connector has a riser plane passing therethrough that is perpendicular to the lateral direction and passes through the articulating connector between the base connection location and the riser connection location such that the base connection location is on one lateral side of the riser plane and the riser connection location is on an opposite lateral side of the riser plane. The articulating connector mounts the supported portion to the base portion for articulated movement of the supported portion relative to the base portion in a manner that permits movement of the supported portion relative to the base portion about a tilt axis perpendicular to the lateral direction and the riser direction and parallel to the riser plane, movement of the supported portion relative to the base portion about a yaw axis perpendicular to the riser plane and the tilt axis, and movement of the supported portion relative to the base portion about an slew axis parallel to the riser plane and perpendicular to the tilt axis and the yaw axis. The user engagement element extends laterally relative to the riser plane to the same one lateral side of the riser plane on which the base connection location is located. In accordance with a further feature of the one aspect of the present invention, the supported portion is configured as a trunk superstructure and the base portion is configured as a pelvic superstructure. In accordance with a further additional feature of the one aspect of the present invention, the user engagement element is configured as a pair of flexible composite shoulder extensions. In accordance with yet a further additional feature of the one aspect of the present invention, the base portion of the riser system is configured as a pelvic superstructure and the pelvic superstructure includes a buckle and a pair of pelvic straps together forming a pelvic band. In accordance with another further additional feature of the one aspect of the present invention, the pelvic superstructure includes left and right halves that are overlap-hinged at a hinge. In accordance with yet another further additional feature of the one aspect of the present invention, the articulating connector is configured as a triplanar pelvic articulation in the form of two rings, one within the other at a ninety degree (90°) offset to each other. In accordance with a further additional feature of the one aspect of the present invention, the articulating connector includes an internal bumper formed of an elastomer material and disposed inwardly of the two rings. In accordance with yet a further additional feature of the one aspect of the present invention, the two rings are configured as two polyvinylchloride (PVC) tubing rings. In accordance with another further additional feature of the one aspect of the present invention, the pelvic superstructure includes a sacral pad and subscapular pads of closed cell padding. In accordance with yet a further additional feature of the one aspect of the present invention, the riser system includes a plurality of pack bags, the trunk superstructure includes shoulder extensions and a plurality of lateral ribs, and the plurality of pack bags is secured to the shoulder extensions and the plurality of lateral ribs. In accordance with another additional feature of the one aspect of the present invention, the articulating connector includes a restoring element. The restoring element is in an equilibrium standby condition when the supported portion is in an initial position relative to the base portion. Movement of the supported portion about the tilt axis relative to the base portion results in movement of the supported position out of its initial position relative to the base portion and subjects the restoring element to a loading that shifts the restoring element out of its equilibrium standby condition. The restoring element operates with a bias to return to its equilibrium condition as a result of which the restoring element urges the supported portion to return to its initial condition relative to the base portion. According to an additional aspect of the present invention, there is provided a backpack system which includes a pack portion defining a volume in which items can be retained and a frame assembly which includes a base portion. The base portion is configured to be carried by a user. The backpack system also includes a supported portion. The supported portion includes a user engagement element and an articulating connector. The articulating connector mounts the supported portion to the base portion for articulated movement of the supported portion relative to the base portion. The base portion is connected to the articulating connector at a base connection location and the supported portion is connected to the articulating connector at a riser connection location. The base connection location and the riser connection location are spaced from one another in a lateral direction. The user engagement element is at a spacing from the articulating connector in a riser direction perpendicular to the lateral direction and the articulating connector having a riser plane extending therethrough that is perpendicular to the lateral direction and passes through the articulating connector between the base connection location and the riser connection location such that the base connection location is on one lateral side of the riser plane and the riser connection location is on an opposite lateral side of the riser plane. The articulating connector mounts the supported portion to the base portion for articulated movement of the supported portion relative to the base portion in a manner permitting movement of the supported portion relative to the base portion about a tilt axis perpendicular to the lateral direction and the riser direction and parallel to the riser plane, movement of the supported portion relative to the base portion about a yaw axis perpendicular to the riser plane, and movement of the supported portion relative to the base portion about an slew axis extending along the riser direction parallel to the riser plane and perpendicular to the lateral direction. The user engagement element extends laterally of the riser plane on the one lateral side of the riser plane to which the base connection location is located. According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a riser system which includes a base portion. The base portion is configured to be carried by a user. A supported portion and an articulating connector are also provided. The articulating connector mounts the supported portion to the base portion for articulated movement of the supported portion relative to the base portion. The base portion is connected to the articulating connector at a base connection location and the supported portion is connected to the articulating connector at a riser connection location. The base connection location and the riser connection location are spaced from one another in a lateral direction. The articulating connector has a riser plane passing therethrough that is perpendicular to the lateral direction and passes through the articulating connector between the base connection location and the riser connection location such that the base connection location is on one lateral side of the riser plane and the riser connection location is on an opposite lateral side of the riser plane. The articulating connector mounts the supported portion to the base portion for articulated movement of the supported portion relative to the base portion in a manner that permits movement of the supported portion relative to the base portion about a tilt axis perpendicular to the lateral direction and the riser direction and parallel to the riser plane, movement of the supported portion relative to the base portion about a yaw axis perpendicular to the riser plane and the tilt axis, and movement of the supported portion relative to the base portion about an slew axis parallel to the riser plane and perpendicular to the tilt axis and the yaw axis. The articulating connector includes a restoring element. The restoring element is in an equilibrium standby condition when the supported portion is an initial position relative to the base portion. Movement of the supported portion about the tilt axis relative to the base portion results in movement of the supported portion out of its initial position relative to the base portion and subjects the restoring element to a loading that shifts the restoring element out of its equilibrium standby condition. The restoring element operates with a bias to return to its equilibrium condition as a result of which the restoring element urges the supported portion to return to its initial condition relative to the base portion. In accordance with a further feature of the further aspect of the present invention, the supported portion includes a user engagement element. The user engagement element is at a spacing from the articulating connector in the riser direction and the user engagement element extends laterally relative to the riser plane to the same one lateral side of the riser plane on which the base connection location is located. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An embodiment of the present invention is hereinafter described with reference to the figures of the drawings as follows: FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the riser system of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the one embodiment of the riser system of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the one embodiment of the riser system of the present invention in a ready state for donning by a system user and showing a system user in a posture for donning the riser system; FIG. 4 is an enlarged rear perspective view of one portion of the one embodiment of the riser system of the present invention; FIG. 5 is an enlarged rear perspective view of another portion of the one embodiment of the riser system of the present invention; FIG. 6 is an enlarged front perspective view of a further portion of the one embodiment of the riser system of the present invention; FIG. 7 is an enlarged front perspective view of an additional portion of the one embodiment of the riser system of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the one embodiment of the riser system of the present invention with the pack modules shown; FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the one embodiment of the riser system of the present invention; and FIG. 10 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the one portion of the one embodiment of the riser system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As seen in FIGS. 1-10, one embodiment of the riser system of the present invention is generally designated as the riser system 10 and includes a base portion 12, a supported portion 14, and an articulating connector 16. The base portion 12 is configured to be carried by a user, such as, for example, a person generally designated as a system user 18 as seen in FIG. 3 or a load-bearing animal. The supported portion 14 is configured as a trunk superstructure 110 and the base portion 12 is configured as a pelvic superstructure 112. The supported portion 14 also includes a user engagement element 20 that is configured as a pair of flexible composite shoulder extensions 114. The articulating connector 16 mounts the supported portion 14 to the base portion 12 for articulated movement of the supported portion 14 relative to the base portion 12. The base portion 12 is connected to the articulating connector 16 at a base connection location BCL and the supported portion 14 is connected to the articulating connector 16 at a riser connection location RCL. The base connection location BCL and the riser connection location RCL are spaced from one another in a lateral direction LD. The user engagement element 20 is at a spacing from the articulating connector 16 in a riser direction RD perpendicular to the lateral direction LD. A riser plane R-Plane passes through the articulating connector 16 and is perpendicular to the lateral direction LD. The riser plane R-Plane passes through the articulating connector 16 between the base connection location BCL and the riser connection location RCL such that the base connection location BCL is on one lateral side of the riser plane R-Plane and the riser connection location RCL is on an opposite lateral side of the riser plane R-Plane. The articulating connector 16 mounts the supported portion 14 to the base portion 12 for articulated movement of the supported portion 14 relative to the base portion 12 in a manner permitting movement of the supported portion 14 relative to the base portion 12 about a tilt axis T-Axis perpendicular to the lateral direction LD and the riser direction RD and parallel to the riser plane R-Plane, movement of the supported portion 14 relative to the base portion 12 about a yaw axis Y-Axis perpendicular to the riser plane R-Plane and the tilt axis T-Axis, and movement of the supported portion 14 relative to the base portion 12 about a slew axis S-Axis parallel to the riser plane R-Plane and perpendicular to the tilt axis T-Axis and the yaw axis Y-Axis. The user engagement element 20 extends laterally relative to the riser plane R-Plane on the same one lateral side of the riser plane R-Plane on which the base connection location BCL is located. The user engagement element 20 includes a pair of flexible composite shoulder extensions 114 each having a shoulder strap 116 connected to the trunk superstructure 110 at a spacing from the riser connection location RCL. The pelvic superstructure 112 includes a buckle and pair of pelvic straps 118 together forming a pelvic band. The trunk superstructure 110 includes a removable head extension 120 that is selectively attached or detached at a spinal and shoulder yoke 122. Pelvic articulation of the pelvic superstructure 112 is two-fold. A left band and right band of the pelvic superstructure 112 are overlap-hinged at a hinge 124 in the sacral area of the user 18 and each band can pivot relative to the other band for selectively abduction or adduction adjustment for customized fit of a user's pelvic and hip anatomy. The connection location of the collective bilateral pelvic band 112 and spinal aspect of the trunk superstructure 110 is designed to maximize the simultaneous dynamic ranges-of-motion of the pelvis and trunk in a frontal and coronal plane (lateral flexion and extension) 126, a sagittal plane (anterior and posterior flexion and extension) 128, and a transverse plane (axial rotation) 130 defined relative to the system user 18. The articulating connector 16 is configured as a triplanar pelvic articulation in the form of a pelvic joint 132 constructed of two polyvinylchloride (PVC) tubing rings 134A, 134B, with the polyvinylchloride (PVC) tubing ring 134B being located within the ring 134A at a ninety degree (90°) offset to the ring 134B. The articulating connector 16 also includes a restoring element 136 formed of an elastomer material. The pelvic superstructure 112 includes a pelvic and sacral pad 140 and subscapular pads 142 of closed cell padding. A plurality of pack bags 144 can be secured to the shoulder extensions 114 and to a plurality of lateral ribs 148 and a trunk superstructure spine 146 of the trunk superstructure 110. The pack bags 144 are configured as a modular system of smaller pack bags attached to the trunk superstructure ribs 148 and shoulder extension 114. The modular pack system allows the user to only carry or use the pack bags required for immediate use, allowing single day or multi-day use without carrying more backpack than is necessary. Additionally, the specific pack bag modules can be independently detached from the superstructure as is required or convenient during use. The pack modules are cuboidal or horizontally rectangular in shape, rather than the vertically rectangular orientation of several conventionally known backpacks. The horizontally oriented pack bag modules result in improved ease of entry, packing, and item location and retrieval. Pack bag module fabrics are water proof or water resistant with high abrasion and puncture and tear resistance, and elasticity. The hinge 124 includes a pin that extends through the left and right bands of the pelvic superstructure 112 and, in addition to pivotally connecting the left and right bands of the pelvic superstructure 112, the hinge 124 also pivotally connects the ring 134A to the pelvic superstructure 112 and pivotally connects the ring 134A and the ring 134B to one another at an inboard location. These pivot connections are provided by the hinge 124 in that the pin of the hinge 124 extends through respective through bores in the left and right bands of the pelvic superstructure 112, the ring 134A, and the ring 134B. The respective pivot connection between the ring 134A and the left and right bands of the pelvic superstructure 112 delimits the base connection location BCL. The pivot connection between the ring 134A and the left and right bands of the pelvic superstructure 112 delimiting the base connection location BCL permits pivoting of the trunk superstructure 110 about the yaw axis Y-Axis relative to the pelvic superstructure 112. As seen in FIG. 10, a plastic washer 150 is interposed between the ring 134A and the left and right bands of the pelvic superstructure 112 to facilitate ease of pivoting. The trunk superstructure 110 has a lower extension 152 with a through bore formed in it. A hinge 154 includes a pin that extends through respective through bores in the ring 134A and the ring 134B and the through bore in the lower extension 152 of the trunk superstructure 110, whereupon this pivot connection thereby formed delimits the riser connection RSL. The pivot connection between ring 134A, and the ring 134B and the through bore in the lower extension 152 of the trunk superstructure 110 delimiting the riser connection location RCL permits the trunk superstructure 110 to move about the tilt axis T-Axis relative to the pelvic superstructure 112 in the following manner. The restoring element 136 is, before assembly into the ring 134B, in the shape of an annular ring and this ring is deformed from its annular shape into a generally ellipsoidal shape once the restoring element 136 has been assembled into the ring 134B. Prior to use of the riser system 10 by the system user 18, the restoring element 136 is in an equilibrium standby condition. If the system user 18 disposes the riser system 10 in a user mounted disposition in which the pelvic superstructure 112 is seated generally about the waist of the system user, and if the system user 18 then assumes an erect posture in which the riser plane R-Plane passing through the articulating connector 16 is vertical, a line extending through the pivot connection between the ring 134A and the left and right bands of the pelvic superstructure 112 delimiting the base connection location BCL trunk and the pivot connection between ring 134A, and the ring 134B and the through bore in the lower extension 152 of the trunk superstructure 110 delimiting the riser connection location RCL will be a horizontal line. As a result of its elastomer material, the restoring element 136, when in its assembled condition in the ring 134B, imparts a radially outward biasing force against the ring 134B. In the event, for example, the pack bags 144 are loaded, the now-heavier pack bags 144 apply a force in the riser direction (i.e., downwardly) on the trunk superstructure 110 at its lower extension 152 that, in turn, imposes a downward loading on the hinge 154. When the system user 18 disposes the riser system 10 in a user mounted disposition in which the pelvic superstructure 112 is seated generally about the waist of the system user, the trunk superstructure 110 assumes an initial position with respect to the pelvic superstructure 112 relative to the tilt axis T-Axis. In the further event that the riser system 10 is now carried by the user 18 and the hips of the system user 18 then tilt relative to the torso of the system user (in other words, the system user 18 bends at the waist), there is a corresponding relative movement between the trunk superstructure 110 and the pelvic superstructure 112 about the tilt axis T-Axis. This relative movement between the trunk superstructure 110 and the pelvic superstructure 112 about the tilt axis T-Axis results in the trunk superstructure 110 leaving its initial position with respect to the pelvic superstructure 112 relative to the tilt axis T-Axis and assuming an in-use displaced position with respect to the pelvic superstructure 112 relative to the tilt axis T-Axis. Additionally, this relative movement between the trunk superstructure 110 and the pelvic superstructure 112 about the tilt axis T-Axis subjects the restoring element 136 to a compressive force that causes compression of the elastomer material against the outward radial bias of this material. Accordingly, the elastomer material of the restoring element 136 biases the restoring element 136 to return from this in-use deformed condition to its equilibrium standby condition, whereupon the restoring element 136 exerts a force on the trunk superstructure 110 to return from its in-use displaced position with respect to the pelvic superstructure 112 relative to the tilt axis T-Axis to its initial position with respect to the pelvic superstructure 112 relative to the tilt axis T-Axis. The trunk 110 and pelvic 112 superstructures are designed to maximize axial load transference to the lumbosacral-pelvic architecture, thus minimizing or eliminating loading of the trunk and upper body. The flexible composite shoulder extensions 114 function to provide structural support for the shoulder strap 116. The inverted hammock design and elastic properties of the shoulder strap system ensure minimal or no axial loading of the thoracic and cervical spine and shoulder girdle, and maximized mobility of the shoulder complex and arms. A pelvic strap 118 and buckle are attached to the anterior aspect of the pelvic band. A removable head extension 120 is selectively attached or detached at the point of the spinal and shoulder yoke 122. This allows increased load volume capabilities, but is removable when not needed, providing a lighter backpack weight and reduced backpack profile for snagging on branches or vegetation. Pelvic articulation is two-fold. The left and right halves of the pelvic band 112 are overlap-hinged 124 in the sacral area for selectively abduction or adduction adjustment for customized fit of user's pelvic and hip anatomy. The connection of the collective bilateral pelvic bands 112 and spinal aspect of the trunk superstructure 110 is designed to maximize the simultaneous dynamic ranges-of-motion of the pelvis and trunk in the frontal and coronal plane (lateral flexion and extension) 126, sagittal plane (anterior and posterior flexion and extension) 128, and transverse plane (axial rotation) 130. This unprecedented freedom of motion results in greatly minimized resistance of the user's dynamic gait mechanics by the backpack superstructure and load, improving energy expenditures, biomechanical efficiency and endurance, and user comfort. The triplanar pelvic articulation is provided by a pelvic joint 132 constructed of two polyvinylchloride (PVC) tubing rings 134, one within the other at a ninety degree (90°) offset (horizontal and vertical orientations), with or without internal bump and elastomer 136 according to pack load and desired level of flexibility, shock absorption and vibration dampening, and synthetic material washers 138 to reduce resistance of pelvic and spinal lateral flexion. The pelvic joint 132 is highly customizable to match the load carrying and vibration dampening characteristics desired due to the several ways in which the joint can be configured. The pelvic 118 and shoulder 116 strapping systems incorporate elastic mesh, nylon and Dacron webbing, snap buckles and thin padding to ensure light weight and minimal materials, maximized breath-ability and prevention of water or moisture retention to provide maximum comfort through dryness, cooling and pressure relief. The uniquely elastic nature of the shoulder straps allows greatly improved upper arm and shoulder mobility and isolation of the backpack dynamics from the user's upper body. The pelvic and sacral pad 140 and subscapular pads 142 of closed cell padding with high cushion value control pressures and ensure comfort without retaining water or moisture. The “riser” system ensures airflow, as a space is always maintained between the user and pack bags 144 by the trunk superstructure spine 146, shoulder extensions 114, and lateral ribs 148, thereby maximizing breath-ability, dryness and cooling effects. The Riser system of the present invention incorporates a modular system of smaller pack bags 150 attached to the trunk superstructure ribs 148 and shoulder extension 114. The modular pack system allows the user to only carry or use the pack bags required for the immediate use, allowing single day or multi-day use without carrying more backpack than is necessary. Additionally, the specific pack bag modules can be independently detached from the superstructure as is required or convenient during use. The pack modules are cuboidal or horizontally rectangular in shape, rather than the vertically rectangular orientation that is typical of current backpacks. The horizontally oriented pack bag modules result in improved ease of entry, packing, and item location and retrieval. Pack bag module fabrics are water proof or water resistant with high abrasion and puncture and tear resistance, and elasticity. Due to the novelty of the “riser” backpack system, the three typical categories of backpacks do not apply and a new category label is required. The “external-frame” backpack category with its excessively heavy and rigid, enclosed “frame,” is not appropriate, as the riser system of the present invention does not incorporate a framework, rather a more functional central spine 146 and lateral ribs 148. Most certainly, neither of “internal frame” and “frameless” backpack categories, with their inherent ineffective or inability to direct the load to the lower spine and pelvic architecture types apply. The Riser system incorporates a single distal-posteriorly placed triplanar motion pelvic joint that articulates for full triplanar motion in the frontal, as well as sagittal (anterior and posterior flexion and extension) and transverse (axial rotation) planes, necessary to allow normal gait mechanics. Moreover, the Riser system, incorporates a fully semi-flexible joint body that through deformation and compression simultaneously allows for sagittal and transverse motions. The Riser system mimics the natural lumbar lordosis angle in the shape of the central spine, and therefore does not require a spacer bolt. The Riser system incorporates no design features for limitations of sagittal plane motion, but rather to maximize these motions without sacrifice of load stability. The Riser system allows for a large range of motion in the transverse plane through deformation of the semi-flexible joint body and the flexible nature of the composite central spine. This functions to maximize the natural gait mechanics of pelvic rotation during ambulation. The Riser system incorporates removable modular pack bags that combine in a variety of configurations for optimal capacity, weight, improved organization and ease of use. The Riser system incorporates a variably flexible spine and flexible shoulder extensions and elastic shoulder strapping to eliminate or minimize loading or stressing the muscular systems of the upper body. The Riser system incorporates a single distal-posteriorly placed triplanar motion pelvic joint that articulates for triplanar motion in the frontal, as well as sagittal (anterior and posterior flexion and extension) and transverse (axial rotation) planes, necessary to allow normal gait mechanics. The Riser joint system uses a single, distal-posteriorly placed triplanar pelvic joint at the lumbosacral level. The Riser pelvic joint is attached to the pelvic band, which is comprised of left and right halves combined in an overlap joint to allow for abduction and adduction to accommodate varying shapes of user hips. The Riser system allows for triplanar motion of frontal (lateral flexion and extension), sagittal and transverse (axial rotation) plane motions of the torso section due to the variably flexible nature of the composite central spine. The Riser system uses an elastic shoulder strapping, however a thin flexible composite extension that overlies the shoulder strap without user contact to maintain axial loading is routed through the shoulder extension, shoulder yoke, central spine to the pelvic band, rather than the shoulder strap as with this prior art. The Riser system allows full ranges of motion of the shoulder complex, but without sacrificing the directing of the load to the pelvis. Provisions are provided for dynamic shoulder assembly motion during use apart from readjusting the shoulder assembly to different vertical setting. There is recognition of the value of vertically stacked, horizontally oriented pack bags with the Riser system design, however the bags are attached to the frame via straps, rather than sitting on a shelf. The Riser system utilizes an automatic adjustment for customized fit of the pelvic band to the user's anatomy, however, a single distal-posteriorly placed overlap hinge is utilized. While an embodiment of the invention has been described and illustrated herein, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto, but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.

The manufacturing industry faces the challenge of manually analyzing and interpreting vast volumes of data, leading to complex and time-consuming procedures that can significantly risk human error and affect the entire production process. To tackle these issues, businesses can leverage the Microsoft Power Platform, a comprehensive suite of tools and resources that streamline developing cutting-edge solutions and allow organizations to integrate various facets of their operation into a cohesive whole. This innovative technology transforms the manufacturing industry from outdated paper-based systems to intelligent, cloud-based applications that leverage the latest advances in AI. Roles of Power Platforms in the Manufacturing Industry Microsoft Power Platform simplifies and optimizes manufacturing processes with its four interconnected products. Its intuitive graphical user interface allows employees to quickly develop apps, generate reports, create chatbots, and build dashboards without complications, ensuring that the workforce can focus on their core responsibilities while leveraging the power of automation to maximize productivity. The Microsoft Power Platform is a collection of tools and services that empowers organizations to analyze data, automate processes, create custom applications, and build chatbots without requiring extensive coding knowledge. Here are some common scenarios where it can be used: Data Analysis and Visualization with Power BI: Effortlessly visualize data from multiple sources with custom dashboards and interactive reports, gain insights into business performance, and share reports with stakeholders to facilitate informed decision-making.  This approach helps businesses confidently make strategic decisions with data analysis. Custom App Development with Power Apps: Optimize inventory management, track projects efficiently, and streamline onboarding processes with tailored applications.  Remote and field workers can access these apps on mobile devices for seamless and efficient work from anywhere. Process Automation with Power Automate: Automation can eliminate repetitive tasks and workflows across various apps and services.  Integration with Office 365, SharePoint, and third-party apps streamlines approval processes, notification workflows, and data synchronization, saving time and resources. Chatbot Development with Power Virtual Agents: AI-powered chatbots are famous for providing customer support, FAQs, and information retrieval.  They automate chat interactions to boost customer engagement and reduce response time.  Chatbots can also assist users in booking appointments or troubleshooting issues, freeing up staff for more complex tasks.  Any business can use AI-powered chatbots to streamline operations and deliver exceptional customer service. Data Integration and Transformation: To effectively use Power BI, Power Apps, or other apps, integrate data from databases, APIs, and cloud services. Before using this data, it is essential to clean and transform it to ensure accuracy and consistency.  Consistency and accuracy across the organization ensure reliable data that provides valuable insights for decision-making processes.  Therefore, adopting best practices for data integration, transformation, and maintenance can significantly enhance the value of data-driven initiatives and improve organizational performance. Workflow and Approval Automation: Our automated system streamlines approval processes for leave requests, expense reports, and purchase orders.  It also includes automated workflows for incident reporting and resolution, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing errors. Employee Productivity and Collaboration: Boost your productivity quickly by automating routine tasks, managing documents effectively, and tracking team projects using our top-notch productivity apps and SharePoint integrations. Sales and Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Effectively handle your leads, contacts, and sales pipelines with our personalized CRM solutions. Our automated sales procedures allow you to rate, direct, and pursue potential leads effortlessly. Utilize our state-of-the-art analytics to acquire valuable insights into customer actions and sales performance. Inventory and Supply Chain Management: Developing applications that can effectively monitor inventory levels, particularly concerning demand and stock, would be highly beneficial.  Automating the reordering process based on these factors can significantly improve supply chain operations and ultimately increase cost efficiency. By optimizing these critical aspects of the inventory management process, businesses can ensure. They are always well-stocked and prepared to meet customer demands while minimizing unnecessary expenses. Quality Assurance and Issue Tracking: Create applications to track quality control inspections, automate notification and resolution of quality issues, and maintain a historical record of quality data for analysis and compliance purposes. Conclusion The Power Platform is a handy tool that empowers businesses to maximize their solutions, simplify and streamline processes, and enhance customer engagement. Its abundant and robust capabilities offer a significant edge to companies that strive to improve their overall performance and accomplish their business objectives. The Power Platform modernizes business operations with continuous development, support, and maintenance. It seamlessly integrates with other data systems to prevent data loss and offers consulting services for user-friendly app design and development. Transform operations for greater efficiency, productivity, and profitability. With Microsoft Power Platform, Veelead simplifies complex IT solutions to optimize your business processes. Our experts guide you through the process to achieve tremendous success and stay ahead of the competition.

Louisiana had a meaningful role in the World War II Allied victory, contributing everything from foot soldiers and commanders to training facilities for tens of thousands of personnel and behind-the-scenes innovators who ultimately affected the war’s outcome. Experience these six must-do World War II attractions. National World War II Museum, New Orleans. This Smithsonian-affiliated property in the city’s Central Business District is the crown jewel of World War II attractions in the U.S. It was given Congressional designation in 2003 as America’s official World War II museum. It opened in 2000 as the National D-Day Museum, and it still heavily focuses on the Battle of Normandy and the ultimate liberation of Europe. But subsequent expansions brought a massive Pacific Theater wing and in 2013, the U.S. Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, which is now the largest portion of the museum. The Pavilion houses Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress and North American B-25J Mitchell bombers and other prominent aircraft from the war. Visitors can also experience World War II through a Tom Hanks-narrated 4-D film titled Beyond All Boundaries. The theater seats literally shake when tanks emerge from the forest and begin firing shells on screen. In addition, there is an interactive submarine simulation based on the final mission of the U.S.S. Tang.   The museum is located in New Orleans because of the facility’s initial focus on D-Day and the role of New Orleans-based boat builders Higgins Industries during the invasion. Andrew Higgins’ shallow hull, flat-bottom boats (originally designed to move men and equipment through Louisiana swamps for the logging and oil industries) were ideal for the 1944 landing at Normandy. American military officials—most notably Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower—credited the Higgins boats as a primary reason for D-Day’s success. Barksdale Global Power Museum, Bossier City. Housed at Barksdale Air Force Base, the home of the Second Bomb Wing of the Eighth Air Force, this museum tells the base’s nearly 100-year story through aircraft and memorabilia spanning the early days of military aviation, World War II, the Cold War and today’s Air Force Global Strike Command. The site’s collection includes Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress and Consolidated B-24J Liberator bombers, a North American P-51D Mustang escort fighter and other aircraft the wing has used. Chennault Aviation and Military Museum of Louisiana, Monroe. In 1942, Monroe was the site of Selman Field Army-Air Force Navigation School, the nation’s largest flight school. The school graduated more than 15,000 navigators, of which more than 10 percent lost their lives in combat. This museum tells the flight school’s and northeast Louisiana’s military history in one of Selman Field’s last surviving buildings. Before contributing a significant number of navigators to the military, Monroe became home to Delta Air Lines, then known as Huff Daland Dusters crop-dusting service. In 1929, Delta, which changed its name for the Mississippi River delta region it served, operated its first passenger flight from Dallas, to Jackson, Miss., with stops in Monroe and Shreveport. The museum’s namesake is General Claire Lee Chennault, the commander of World War II’s heralded Flying Tigers air unit based in China to assist with the front-line war with Japan. Chennault was a Gilbert native and made Monroe his home following the war. Chennault’s granddaughter is the museum’s curator. U.S.S. Kidd and Veterans Memorial, Baton Rouge. This Fletcher-class destroyer saw heavy action in virtually every major Pacific Theater naval campaign, including the invasions of the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, the Philippines and Okinawa. It survived a direct kamikaze plane hit in 1945 that killed 38 sailors, and it earned eight World War II battle stars. The Louisiana Maneuvers. In 1940, American military leaders saw U.S. participation in the war in Europe as inevitable, so a 400,000-soldier training exercise, overseen by notable American military officials including generals Dwight D. Eisenhower, Omar Bradley and George Patton, was staged in central Louisiana to prep U.S. forces for battle. The Louisiana Maneuvers story is told at sites throughout the state including the Louisiana Maneuvers and Military Museum at Camp Beauregard near Pineville, the Museum of West Louisiana in Leesville and a commemorative marker located outside downtown Alexandria’s former Hotel Bentley, the site of many overseeing officers’ headquarters. Regional Military Museum, Houma. This newly-opened facility commemorates the sacrifices of past, present and future military through a living history museum, where veteran-volunteers share firsthand accounts of their military experiences, the vehicles really run and the weapons really fire. See true-to-size replicas of three HAWK missile rockets sitting on a missile rocket launch, or view President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Air Force One. Take photos in a World War II German Afrika Korps motorcycle sidecar made by BMW, or take a ride in an authentic track laying vehicle.

We’re partnering with the Center for Strategic and International Studies to bring you their fab Bad Ideas series through the Christmas holiday season. They produced three today. I’m betting Sen. John McCain will most enjoy the first of the three, this one by Andrew Hunter, on why it’s so damn complex and often difficult to know just who to hold responsible for acquisition malpractice. We’re putting the three pieces up separately. Enjoy! The Editor Accountability may be viewed as close to an unalloyed good as anything you’ll find in public policy. As a management principle, it is a sound way to ensure that authority is married to responsibility. As a democratic principle, it ensures that government officials are answerable to the people. As a military principle, it implies that a commander is ultimately responsible for the actions of his or her command. Ensuring accountability at the Department of Defense has long been a priority for Congress. The desire for greater accountability was one reason why the Goldwater-Nichols reforms of the 1980s created the position of Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, in an effort to unify leadership of the acquisition system in one chain of command. More recently, in an effort to establish greater accountability for acquisition within the military services, Congress mandated the delegation of much of the undersecretary’s acquisition authority to the service acquisition executives in an effort to align responsibility for each of the three modernization processes: budget, requirements, and acquisition, at the service level. The intent behind this change was to make it possible to hold the services accountable for cost overruns and poor decisions in acquisition programs, and Congress sought to enforce that accountability by imposing financial penalties on the services for cost overruns on acquisition programs.  And at the Senate Armed Services Committee’s December 7 hearing on acquisition, Sen. John McCain asked DoD leaders for the names of all those in the acquisition system who had been fired as a result of major acquisition failures. He made his consternation at the small number of such firings clear. DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT But the quest for accountability in acquisition faces several complications, both under the Goldwater-Nichols approach and after the recent decision to reverse some of its reforms. One of the main challenges is the extended time spans of acquisition and how early in an acquisition program’s life cycle critical decisions are made. Most of the critical decisions in an acquisition program are made when the program moves into its primary design and development phase, the point known in the acquisition system as Milestone B. In most cases, this is the point when the prime contractor is selected, the basic design is chosen, and the acquisition strategy is set. Much of what follows in the program flows from these decisions. But the design and development phase usually takes several years. If the decisions made at Milestone B are flawed or are based on faulty assumptions, it generally doesn’t become clear until five to eight years later when operational testing reveals the things that didn’t develop as expected. Generally speaking, however, it is impossible to hold the officials who made the key decisions at Milestone B accountable in a practical way. They are usually no longer involved with the program or even serving in the Department of Defense. If we generally can’t hold the officials responsible for Milestone B accountable, what about those who executed those decisions? Can we at least hold the military services and program managers accountable for their performance on programs that may have been started with flawed strategies, but could be recoverable later? In most cases the answer is no, because one of the other main challenges to establishing accountability in acquisition is poorly chosen metrics. Our approach to measuring acquisition success has been based on primarily measuring the amount of cost and schedule growth occurring after Milestone B. This approach generally conflates cost and schedule growth occurring as a result of flawed strategies and planning assumptions with cost growth that occurs due to later errors of execution. Our metrics aren’t designed to help assign accountability, and they therefore don’t provide any incentive for program managers to aggressively identify and manage risk. Frank Kendall, former undersecretary of Defense for acquisition, technology, and logistics, took steps to address this problem with his annual report on the performance of the defense acquisition system, but his more detailed, data-based approach to measuring acquisition performance has been slow to be embraced by Congress and is not reflected at all in the penalty system Congress created. But there are actually deeper challenges to accountability in acquisition that go beyond extended time frames and faulty metrics. A fundamental problem is the fact that acquisition is a team game, not an individual sport. A successful acquisition program requires highly complex coordination between the many elements of the acquisition community, including designers, systems engineers, industrial engineers, program management, the manufacturing workforce, quality assurance personnel, developmental testers, and operational testers, as well as product support managers, logisticians, and maintainers. All these people work in close coordination with those outside the acquisition community who play equally critical roles, including the requirements generators, the budget and resource managers, and critically, Congress. Perhaps most underappreciated is the role of the personnel, education and training communities responsible for creating the cadres of operators who get a new system from the end stages of development into initial operations. There are almost innumerable opportunities for error in the work of each of these groups and in the interaction and communication occurring between them. In such a complex enterprise, most of which is outside the control of the program manager and much of which is outside the acquisition system, the chance of meaningfully holding any single element meaningfully accountable for acquisition is miniscule. In fact, an overly aggressive quest for accountability is likely to reinforce errors, creating strong incentives in the system for hiding problems and blame shifting.  These behaviors are likely to occurred exactly when the focus should be on tackling issues early before they become major problems and pitching in together to solve problems as they arise. Further, when so many organizations are involved with acquisition, the centralizing impulse in the quest for accountability can also lead to the consolidation of decision making in the hands of those without the necessary expertise and experience to exercise it. And every indication is that the complexity of acquisition is only growing. As software development becomes an ever-increasing aspect of acquisition, the linear decision making enshrined in the traditional acquisition process is becoming less relevant for ensuring that the key challenges of coordinating complex software development efforts are managed successfully. In this environment, an emphasis on accountability may only further hinder the collaborative team effort required for program success. Lastly, at a time when the United States faces near-peer competitors who are equaling or surpassing our capabilities in certain areas, there is a near consensus that the acquisition system needs to be willing to take greater risk to develop and deploy new capabilities more rapidly. Taking greater risk requires tolerance for failure, which is something of an unnatural act already in the world of acquisition. When achieving accountability is prioritized as an overriding point of emphasis, there is even less hope that a tolerance of failure will develop. While accountability remains a necessary and valuable principle in many respects, basing our efforts at acquisition reform on the principle of accountability is not merely insufficient for solving our acquisition problems, it’s actually a bad idea. DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT This report is produced by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a private, tax-exempt institution focusing on international public policy issues. Its research is nonpartisan and nonproprietary. CSIS does not take specific policy positions. Accordingly, all views, positions, and conclusions expressed in this publication should be understood to be solely those of the author(s). © 2017 by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. All rights reserved.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you click the links and make a purchase I may receive compensation at no additional cost to you. I do not recommend any companies that I do not persoanlly use and love. Please read our disclaimer for more info. Organization is one of my biggest challenges as a special education teacher.  Between work samples, reports, IEPs, modifying their work, study guides, graphic organizers, and checklists; I feel like I am constantly drowning in paperwork! Every year I find a new way to organize myself that I think is going to be the trick to keeping myself organized.  But, every year something does not work the way I expect it to, or there is something that I just do not keep up with. After a lot of trial and error, here are the best products I have found for organizing my classroom. Bankers Box Eight Compartment Literature Sorter I love these mailboxes; there are so many different uses for them.  When I taught small group math and reading classes, this is how I kept my students’ work sorted. Every student has their own mailbox and in it is kept their ISN (Interactive Student Notebook), so they don’t lose it (we know kids can find a way to lose anything).  And, with their ISN we also kept any work that was still in progress.  This way everything they may need is all in one place. When they are in my room, and I tell them to take out their unfinished work, it is in the same place every day, and they can grab it and work on it. Another use for these is for sorting colored paper or blank paper for students to use.  I do not use these for that purpose; you will see what I use for that purpose later in this article. Or, if you have a homeroom, you can use these for passing out paperwork.  Another use of the mailbox method, allowing you to pass out papers before the students arrive, before the chaos of the school day. And students know where to go to find anything that they need to take home.  It can be used for notices or for passing back graded work. Rubbermaid Tiered Letter Tray Whenever I have students in my room taking a test, they are constantly getting up to ask me for scrap paper.  So what I have done is, I have a letter sorter like this, and I use it to sort all of my scrap paper. The tiers allow me to have options.  I have a tray of lined paper that the students use when they have to do writing.  This also is useful for students who have OT struggles and cannot write on the blank paper that the teacher provided. I use one tier for graph paper or students to use for math quizzes.  Graph paper is great for students who struggle with lining up math problems, like solving equations or long division, among other things. I use a tier for blank printer paper, that students can use for a variety of things.  Some prefer it for math problems, sometimes a student finishes early, and they just need to draw. Smead Cascading Wall Organizer This solved a unique problem that I have.  In the state of Massachusetts, the standardized testing is called the MCAS, and the MCAS offers reference sheets for each subject and students who have the accommodation in their IEP are allowed to use the reference sheets.  Plus there are different checklists that I regularly use with my students. This amazing organizer hangs on my wall and takes up little to no space, yet is a place where all students know to go to find whatever reference sheet they need.  All I have to do is keep it stocked! Mesh Desktop Organizer This is my newest addition to my desktop.  It is a little large, but I think that it is worth it. I use this to sort student files that I am currently working on.  There is a section for the students that I am currently testing, one for students whose testing reports I’m working on, one for students who have IEP meetings coming up, and one for students who have IEPs that I am currently writing. There are times when I can be simultaneously working on 5-10 students, and this thing is full, and then there are times that I have a lull in meetings and it is mostly empty. When I purchased this I really wanted the white one, but it was much more expensive, and I just could not justify the purchase.  As hard as I tried to! Three Tier Desktop Organizer No matter how hard I try, there is always paperwork that just does not fit into a category.  Or there are days that I just do not have time to sit and file away all the loose paperwork that has accumulated. This organizer looks adorable, and it is a catch-all for my miscellaneous paperwork.  And then before I leave every Friday, I have a personal rule that it must be empty. Assorted Color Hanging File Folders I know I am a huge nerd, but I love when my life is color coded!  These hanging file folders are great in my file cabinet to keep things organized and color coded. I use one color for all of my working files, one color for all of my professional paperwork.  Another color, I use for tests and quizzes, and the last color for miscellaneous paperwork. The only thing that would make me happier would be to find a way to order custom amounts of colors. Teacher’s Scoring Chart This little card is one of the biggest time savers that I have ever found.  When you are grading a test, it does the math for you to tell you percentages.  If you are grading a test that has 28 questions you slide the card until there is a 28 in the top box, the card tells you what the score would be for one wrong, two wrong, three wrong, etc. I can not say enough good things about this simple little device!! One-Inch Binders I use these binders for organizing my student work samples.  I purchased enough binders to have one for each student. In the binder, I keep all work samples that will be useful to have handy when progress reports come around. They are also useful for parent/teacher conferences, or their IEP meeting. It can be time-consuming to file all of the work, but I make a goal to take time to file it at least once per week so that it does not get away from me. Expo Markers Multi-Pack I know these are not really for organization.  But, I just cannot write a blog post about classroom essentials without talking about my favorite item in my classroom. Every year I buy a new pack of these and spend a little extra on the fourteen pack.  I find having the different color options so useful. When I am teaching math, I use different colors to identify different steps or rules.  I use them for ELA to dissect a sentence or writing passage.  Sometimes I just use them to write inspirational quotes on my board. This is just a list of a few of my favorite things that work for what I need them for.  I’m sure there are products that are life-changing that I have not even discovered yet!  What are your favorite products for organization?  Let me know in the comments! See also: Organizing Your Middle School Students Fidget Toys for Middle School Students Get your free IEP summary page! Subscribe to get our latest content by email. Success! 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Description June 8, 1965 H. c. PLUMMER GAS TURBINE FUEL REGULATOR 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 13, 1962 QNN nnnYufln vekr w "F3 940F161 mi c. l orrumev' CAYTOMSY/ June 8, 1965 H. c. PLUMMER 3,187,505 GAS TURBINE FUEL REGULATOR Filed Aug. 13, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Q-larlcmcl C. plbmmev' [auf W dmflm June 8, 1965 Filed Aug. 13, 1962 H. c. PLUMMER 3,187,505 GAS TURBINE FUEL REGULATOR 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 SPEED Q-(oulancl pl Ummer United States Patent 3,187,505 GAS TURBINE FUEL REGULATOR Harland C. Plummer, Rockford, Ill., assignor to Woodward Governor Company, Rockford, 11]., a corporation of Illinois 7 Filed Aug. 13, 1962, Ser. No. 216,484 4 Claims. (Cl. 6039.28) This invention relates to regulators for aircraft gas turbines and the like of the type in which the fuel flow during steady-state operation is controlled by a main speed governor whose action is restricted when the actual fuel flow reaches or exceeds a maximum permissible limit computed continuously from a combination of operating parameters such as speed, compressor discharge pressure and inlet air temperature. The computation is usually made through the medium of a three dimensional cam moved axially and turned angularly in accordance with the changing values of two of the parameters. The primary object of this invention is to provide a fuel regulator of the above character which will perform reliably all of the necessary steady-state and fuel limiting functions by mechanism which, as compared to prior regulators, is far less expensive to produce and issubstantially smaller in size. Another object is to provide a regulator in which a single speed governor controls the fuel flow during steadystate operation and also provides the speed signal for computing the maximum fuel limit. A further object is to combine the parameters for controlling the limit fuel flows by a novel force balancing system as contrasted with the displacement balancing systems heretofore used. Still another object is to transmitthe speed regulating motions of the speed governor to the 3D cam and utilize the motions of the latter to position the fuel valve during steady-state operations. A further object is to provide a novel mechanism for transferring the control of the fuel valve back and forth between steady-state and limit operations by a novel mechanism which is adjustable manually to select any desired steady-state operating speed. Another object is to utilize the space within the 3D cam as the cylinder for the hydraulic servo controlled by the speed sensor. Other objects and advantages. of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which FIGURE 1 is a schematic view and hydraulic circuit diagram of a gas turbine regulator embodying the novel features of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with the parts positioned under a different operating condition. FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a fragmentary section taken along the line 4-4of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of part of the feedback lever of the force balancing system. FIG. 6 shows typical curves of the operating characteristics of a gas turbine controlled by the improved regulator. The improved regulator is especially adapted for use in adjusting the opening of a valve 10 to meter the flow of liquid fuel under pressure to a passage 11 leading to the burners of a gas turbine 12 driving the usual rotary compressor 13. The valve and the parts governing its operation are designed to fit compactly within a fluid filled casing 15 indicated by the dotted enclosure and the hatching in FIG. 1. The casingis clamped to the exterior Patented June 8, 1965 "ice of the turbine Whose main shaft is suitably coupled to a shaft 16 extending into the regulator casing 15. Another extension 18 of the turbine shaft is coupled to the main pump 19 which delivers fuel at a high pressure P1 usually about 400-1200 p.s.i. to a pipe 20 extending through the wall of the casing 15 and communicating with a passage 21 leading to the inlet of the main valve 10. Fuel from a storage tank (not shown) is supplied at relatively low pressure P0, usually 37-110 p.s.i., to the inlet of the main pump by the usual so-called boost pump driven by the turbine or an external power source. The arrows applied to the drawings indicate in each instance the direction of an increase of motion or a parameter. Herein the valve 10 comprises a hollow cylindrical cup 22 slidable in an axially fixed cylinder 23 communicating at opposite ends with the passages 11 and 21. The valve cupis on the lower end of the rod 25 slidable in a cylinder 28 and carrying the piston 27 to form a hydraulic servo 29 and biased by a compression spring 30 in the fuel decreasing direction. In different positions of the piston, varying areas of slots 31 in the walls of the cup 22 are uncovered thus determining the rate of fuel flow to the turbine burners. To provide the usual constant pressure drop across the fuel valve 10, the supply pressure P1 and the burner pressure P2 are exerted on opposite ends 33 and 34 of a plunger 35 slidable in a cylinder 36 and carrying a land 37 cooperating with a port to form a pilot valve controlling the flow of high pressure to and from a cylinder 38. A piston 39 slidable in the latter is urged in the valve closing direction by a spring 40 and carries the movable member 41 of a valve 42 for by-passing fluid out of the passage 20. The force of an adjustablespring 43 supplements P2 to balance P1 on the plunger so that the pilot valve is actuated automatically and through the piston 39 governs the rate of by-pass of fuel out of the supply line 20. To sense changes in the compressor discharge pressure P3, a bellows 44 fixed at one end to the casing 15 communicates through a passage 45 with the discharge area of the compressor 13. The free end of the bellows is coupled to one end of aplunger 46 slidable in a cylinder 47 and connected at itsother end with the free end of an evacuated bellows 48. Thus, the plunger is shifted back i and forth in accordance with absolute pressure changes in the compressor discharge. A land 49 on the plunger cooperates with a port 50 to forma pilot valve 51 controlling the admission of high'pressure fluid P1 to or the escape of fluid to the low pressure area P0 from the cylinder 28 thus varying the energization of the servo 29 and therefore the position of the fuel valve 10 and the stress ing of its biasing spring 30. Changes in the temperature of the air admitted to the compressor affect a bulb 53 communicating through a tube 54 with a fluid filled bellows 55 which expands and contracts with changes in T2 correspondingly moving a rod 56 slidable in the casing 15. Changes in the speed of the turbine are sensed by a speed governor 58 including a shaft 59 journaled at 60 in the casing 15 and coupled to the turbine shaft 16. ' latter to the low pressure P0 area. Pivoted at'61 on a ball-head '62 fast on the upper end of the shaft 59 are upstanding flyweights 63 having inwardly projecting arms bearing upwardly through a suitable bearing against the lower end of a valve plunger 64. Lands 65 on the plunger slide in a cylinder 66 while an. intermediate land 67 cooperates with a port 68 to procisely to the speed of the turbine. sass/pee e; is closed and the passage 'Ttl is blocked. At this time, the axially and upwardly directed forces exerted by the flyweights 63 on the valve plunger exactly balance the downward force exerted on the upper end of the plunger by a compressiontype speeder spring 71 bearing at its upper end against an axially ad ustable abutment 72- which may be an anti-friction bearing. The passage '70 communicates with a hydraulic servo 74 which is of special construct-ion in accordance with another aspect of the present invention and includes a hollow rod 75 fixed at 76 to the casing and carrying a piston 77 through which the passage extends. The piston is slidably sealed within a cylinder 78 in the form of a cup 79 closed at its lower end 86 and having oppositely projecting stems 81 which slide in guides 82 formed by the piston rod 8-1 and a fixed-tube 83. Downward movement of the cup is opposed by a compression spring 84 acting against a fixed abutment 85 so that they piston and cup constitute a single acting or spring loaded hydraulic servo. In order that the axial position of the cup 79 will at all times correspond to the prevailing speed of the turbine, the movements of the cup are transmitted back to the speeder spring 71 to change the stressing of the latter and recenter the pilot valve 69 after each speed deviation. Such restoring action is achieved through a lever, 87 fulcrumed at 8'8 and pivotally connected at 89 intermediate its ends to a screw 9d carrying the abutment 72 and adjustable to vary the position of the latter relative to the lever. The free end 91 of the latter rides in an annular groove 92 around the upperopen end of the cup '79. As a result, an increase in the speed of the turbine above the prevailing speed setting of the governor or stressing of the speeder spring 71 lifts the land 67 above the port 68 admitting high pressure Pl fiuid into the pas-sage 7t) to force the cup 79 downwardly. This movement is accompanied by clockwise turning of the lever 37 and lowering of the abutment and further compression of the spring 71 until the'valve land 67 has been recentered on the port 68. At this time, the position of the cup 79 corresponds pr 'By such restoring or recentering action, the governor becomes I a true speed d-roop governor so as to possess inherent stability at all speeds. 7 Means is preferably provided to shift the fulcrum 88 inwardly and outwardly along the restoring lever 87 so that the movement of the servo cup '79 is truly linear with respect to the turbine speed. This is accomplished herein by holding the fulcrumed end of the lever against an arcuate surface as by a spring 915 on a lever .96 fulcrumed at 97 and adjustable by a screw 98. Thus, as the cup 79 is moved'downwardly in response to an increase in speed, the fulcrum shifts outwardlylaway from the governor axis. For numerous gas turbines, manufacturers specification calls for changing the rate of fuel flow Wf in accordance with the product of P3 f(N,T P3 is the compressor discharge pressure,fN is theturbine speed and T is the temperature of the air admitted to the turbine inlet. 'In meeting this specification, the present regulator produces the curves such as those shown in FIG. 6, a representing the fuel flow variations during steady-state operation at different engine speeds. The maximum fuel by changes in one of the measured parameters, P3 in this instance, and in the stressing of the servo biasing spring 30 and having a fulcrum ltll which is shifted back and forth along the lever to vary the efiective ratio of the latter in response to a combination of the other two measured parameters, that is, turbine speed and air inlet temperature in this instance. Herein, the servo biasing spring 3t) bears against an abutment 162 formed by the enlarged free end (FIG. 5) of a lever Hi3 fulcrumed at 104 (FIG. 1) and slotted at use on the underside of the abutment 102 to receive cross pins 105 on the forked end of the lever 160 thus pivotally connecting the abutment to the normally longer end portion of the latter lever," The latter is a substantially straight bar and the opposite and shorter end portion is similarly forked at 106 and carries pins 1% bearing upwardly against a shoulder 107 fixed to the plunger 46 of the P3 sensor. To provide for shifting the fulcrum 101 along the lever lift), an elongated bar 1% is disposed in the plane of the lever and mounted for endwise reciprocation. One end of the bar is disposed between the underside edge of the lever and an opposed flat surface 103 fixed to the casing 15 for engagement with a roller Hi9 journaled on the bar and disposed on its opposite side against the underside of the lever 100. With this arrangement, the force of the spring 30 is balanced through the medium of the lever against the force due to P3 exerted on the lever through the bellows44 and the plunger 46. Thus, a rise in P3 lowers the land 4% below the port 50 admitting high pressure fluid to the cylinder 23 of the servomoving the piston 27 downwardly to further open the main valve 1d and correspondingly move the upper end of the spring 3t while rocking the lever 10d counter-clockwise. The change in valve position is thus fed back to the plunger thus raising the latter until the land is again recentered on the port as the increased compression of the feedback spring is balanced against the increased P3. In this true force balancing system, it will be observed that in response to any change in P3, the movement of the plunger 46 is only enough to shift the pilot land 45 off center so that very little movement is required to accommodate the wide range over which P3 may change in service use. Since the position of the servo piston determines the rate of fuel flow (Wf).and the lever ldtl is rocked back and forthwith changes in P3, a constant ratio of Wf/P3 is maintained when the position of the V fulcrum 191 is fixed] This ratio is increased and decreased respectively as the fulcrum is shifted to the left and right along the feedback lever Such shifting is effected automatically under the control of the other two parameters, turbine speed and inlet airtemperature, and is correlated with the construction. of the gas turbine to i be controlled to produce the operating characteristics delimit is shown by-the curve d while the minimum permissible fuel flow to prevent-fiame-out is represented by the curve 0. i To compute the maximum fuel flow (curved) permis-,. sible under dilferent turbine'and ambient air conditions, f the invent-ion contemplates combining the speed and temperature measurements made by the sensors 5 3 and 53 .with the P6 measurement by the sensor 44 in a'novel mannerto form a force balancing system as distinguished from a displacement balancing system operating to vary 1 in combination with each other are extended to sired by the turbine manufacturer, such for example as shown by the curves of 1 16. 6." i Q g i The use of thespeed governor 58 to control the fuel flow during steady-state operation and also .to assist in computing the maximum permissible fuellimit so as to produce the desired operating curves (FIG. while permitting manual selection of the turbine speed is made possible by providing for endwise shifting of' the fulcrum shifting'or fuel regulating bar 193 by variations in any one of three, independent ways, namely, changes in turbine speed as determined by the governor controlled servo 74 above described, by manual adjustment of a throttle arm 112 operated by the pilot, and by changes in the contour of a three dimensional cam 113. To these ends, separate mechanical'connections operable individually or the end of the bar 1% opposite theshiftablefulcrum 101. Herein the 3D cam connection comprisesan elongated generally straight lever '114 fixed abo'ut midway between its ends'to 'arockshaft 115 journaled on the casing l5 -,'and carrying .an arm .116. Aleafspring-llfl,secured at 118 cantilever fashion to the casing, bears at its free end against the arm 116 so as tovbias the lever clockwise and thus at all times load or take up the slack in all three of the connections above referred to. The lower end of the lever is pivotally connected at 119 to the end of the bar 108 and the upper end of the lever carries a follower 120 adapted to engage the 3D surface 121 of the cam with point contact so that, when in contact with the cam surface, it will be spaced from the cam axis a distance corresponding to the f (N, T) part of the above equation determining the maximum permissible fuel flow limit. To conserve space, the governor servo 74 is disposed within the 3D cam which herein comprises a cup 122 telscoped upwardly and around the cup 70 of the governor servo 74 and journaled on the latter through axially spaced anti-friction thrust bearings 123. Thus supported by the governor servo, the cam is moved axially back and forth with changes in the engine speed sensed by the droop governor 58 which thus acts as a tachometer or straight speed sensor in computing the fuel flow limit as will appear later. a For steady-state operation during which the follower 120 is out of contact with the cam as will appear later, the motion of the governor controlled servo 74 is transmitted directly to the fulcrum adjusting bar 108 through a lever 125 which is preferably a right angle bell-crank in this instance to permit the 3D cam axisto be located at right angles to the bar. An arm 126 depending from the vertically floating fulcrum 127 of this bell-crank is pivotally connected to one end of a link 128 whose other end is pivoted at 129 on the lower end portion of the follower lever 114 at a point spaced a short distance above the connection 119. The other arm 130 of the bellcrank projects horizontally and carries a roller 131 which bears upwardly against the bottom 132 of the 3D cam cup 122. Assuming a fixed position of the pivot 127, it will be seen that the axial movement of the servo cup 79 and 3D cam due to a change in turbine speed sensed by the speed governor will rock the lever 125 and through the lever 114 correspondingly shift the bar and the fulcrum 101. Such shifting by the speed governor alone may take place during steady-state operation by yielding of the spring 117 when the follower 120 is spaced away from the 3D cam as will appear later. i -To introduce the temperature (T2) of the air at the turbine inlet as an element in the computation of the fuel limit, the output member 56 of the temperature sensor 53, 55 above described is coupled to the 3D cam 113 through a lever 226 swingable about a fixed fulcrum 227 mounted on the casing 15 intermediate the ends of the lever. For this purpose, one end of the bellows 55 is pivotally connected at 228 to the lever 226 whose other end carries a spherical projection 229 which is disposed in a groove 230 extending longitudinally of the cam. Thus, as the compressor inlet temperature increases and decreases, the projection 229 is turned backand forth correspondingly through an angle of about sixty degrees over which the surface 121 of the cam extends to include the full range of the inlet temperature changes in service use. To vary the turbine speed at which the. speed governor 58 controls the fuel flow under steady-state operation, provision is made for raising and lowering the floating fulcrum pin 127 of the bell-crank 125. For this purpose, this fulcrum is supported on the free end of an elongated substantially straight lever 161 supported at one end in this instance by a pivot 162 fixed to the casing 15. Intermediate its ends, the lever carries a roller- 133 on a fitting 133 forming an abutment for one end of a coiled spring 134 compressed against an abutment 135 fixed to the casing; The roller constitutes the follower of a cam 136 fixed to a shaft 137 which is journaled in a bearing 138 -on the casing and is adapted to be adjusted angularly by :lmanually rocking thethrottle arm 112 by which the de- 'siredoperating speed of the turbine is selected by the airis swung to the left and right and the cam craft pilot through a cable or other suitable connection extended to the airplane cockpit. Upward movement of the floating pivot pin 127 is limited by a stop formed by the end of a screw 140 threaded into the casing 15 and selectively adjustable to determine, as will appear later, the steady-state idling speed of the turbine. The spring 134 is stressed to produce a force capable of overcoming the force of the follower spring 117, the former spring thus acting merely to hold the follower 133 against the cam 136 or the fulcrum pin 127 against the stop 140. It will be apparent from the foregoing that by rocking the throttle lever 112 counter-clockwise while engaging the roller 133 so as to increase the turbine speed results in lowering of the pivot 127 and bodily swinging of the bell-crank 125 clockwise about the roller 131 as a fulcrum, the lever 114 is rocked clockwise about its fulcrum 115 moving the follower toward the 3D cam surface and shifting the fulcrum 101 to the left to increase the fuel flow if the latter is below the computed limit as evidenced by spacing of the follower 120 away from the cam surface 121. Conversely, adjustment of the throttle 112 to decrease the turbine speed during steady-state operation raises the fulcrum 127 to rock the bell-crank counterclockwise thus overcoming the spring 117 and, through the lever 114, to shift the bar 108 and the fulcrum 101 to the right and thereby reduce Wf/P3. It will be observed that the part of the maximum fuel limit control as computed by the 3D cam 113 may become effective at any speed of the turbine while the roller 131 whose position normally determines the steady-state operation of the turbine is in engagement with the end 132 of the cam. This is made possible by the yieldable mounting of the fulcrum 127 through the spring 134 which, when the roller 131 is contacting the 3D cam, is adapted to yield and allow the follower 120 to move in accordance with the changing contour of the cam and the maximum fuel flow limit computed thereby. Operation Let it be assumed that the parts constructed as above described are adapted to vary Wf/P3 relative to turbine speed N following the maximum fuel limit or acceleration curve b, the steady-state curve a, and a deceleration curve eas shown in FIG. 6. When the turbine is at rest, the servo piston 27 will be urged upwardly against the stop 141 thus holding the fuel valve only partially (usually about 10 percent) open. The 3D cam 113 is raised by the governor to its highest position as shown in phantom in FIG. 1 due to the collapsed condition of the flyweights 63 and its surface 121 will be engaged by the follower 120 which is urged clockwise by the spring 117 so as to push shiftable fulcrum 101 to a position determined by the'3D cam and corresponding to the point 142 on the maximum fuel limit curve b. The follower 133 is spaced from the speed setting cam 136 then in idling position so that the spring 134 swings the lever 131 upwardly to carry the floating fulcrum 127 against the idle speed controlling screw 140. Since the follower 120 is against the 3D cam at this time, the roller 131 will be spaced below the lower end 132 of the cam as shown in FIG. 1 a distance determined by the point on i the cam surface 121 engaged by the follower 120. Starting and accelerati0n.-To start the turbine, the ,usual shut-off valve (not shown) is opened, the turbine is cranked, and the fuel ignited thus initiating acceleration of the turbine to activate the P3 sensor and initiate downward movement of the 3D cam by the governor 58. At this time, the position of the fulcrum 101 is under the sole control of the 3D cam which rocks the lever 114 and shifts the fulcrum 101 so that, through the force balancing lever system above described, the Wf/P3 ratio is increased along the curve b starting at 142 and continuing up- .Wardly. Asa result of the increasing turbine speed detected by the governor, the 3D cam is shifted axially and 'downwardly thus bringing the end 132 of the cam into of the 3D cam and separation of its surface 121 from the follower 120 whose position is then determined bythe bell-crank125 and the idle speed Stop 1413. As a result, the bell-crank is rocked counter-clockwise by the governor duringthe further acceleration of the turbine thus shifting the fulcrum 101 to the right so as to vary the ratio of the balancing lever 160 and decrease the ratio Wf/P3 until the fuel flow determined by position of the servo piston 27 has been reduced along the droop line 145 and the stress of the feedback spring 30 has been balanced against the prevailing value of P3 at a point .146 on the steady-state curve a. At this time, the parts are positioned as shown in full in FIG. 1, thespeed maintained through the force balancing system being determined by the prevailing value of P3 and the position of the idle speed trimming screw 14th Increase in the speed setting-Now, if the throttle lever 112 is swung counter-clockwise to select a new and high turbine speed 147 (FIG. 6), the cam 136 comes into contact with the roller 133 and shifts the lever 161 against the force of the spring 134. The resulting lowering of the floating fulcrum 127 swings the bell-crank 125 bodily and clockwise about the roller 131 as a fulcrum thus permitting the spring 117 to swing the lever 114 clockwise and shift the bar ltls and the fulcrum 1151 to the left a distance corresponding to change in the speed setting. If the speed change selected is wide enough to require a fuel flow increaseequal to or greater than the maximum permissible flow as computed by the 3D cam under the prevailing value of P3, the follower 120 on the lever 114 will come into contact with the 3D cam at the point 148 on the curve b. Further downward shifting of the fulcrum 127 to accommodate the full change in the speed setting while the follower 120 is against the surfaces 121 of the 3D cam'is permitted by bodily rocking of the bellcrank 125 and separation of the roller 131 away from the endof the cam 113. The control of the fuel flow is thus transferred from the governor back to the 3D cam at the point 148 on the'maximum limit curve b along which'the fuel ratio changes during the ensuing acceleration of the turbine. As theacceleration continues after a speed corresponding to the point 149 has been attained, vthe control is transferred back to the governor which lowers the 3D cam to rock the bell-crank 125 counterclockwise to overcome the spring 117 and 'move the follower 1Z5} away from the cam (FIG. 2) while shifting the fulcrum 101 .to the right until the value of Wf/PS at the prevailing value of' P3 has been reduced along a droop line 150 far enough to rebalance the force balancing system at the proper ratio for maintaining the selected turbine speed 147. v t V v Decrease in speed setting.If, while the turbine-is operating steady-state, the throttle lever is turned clockwise to decrease the turbine speed, the fulcrum 127 is moved upwardly thus rocking'the bell-crank 125 fbodily and counter-clockwise about the roller 131 as a fulcrum. This pulls the link 128 to the right and rocks the'lever 114 againstthe force of spring 117 to, shift the fulcrum 7 1m to decrease Wf/P3. If a substantial reduction of speed setting is made, for example from 151- (FIG. '6.) back to 147, the bar 168 will contact the stop screw 152, thus limiting the low limitof Wf/P3 to a constant value asseen oncurve cof FIG; 6. Deceleration of the turbine :continues along the line c and to theleft with the bar 108 remaining against the stop 152 to apoint 155. Thereafter, the fuel increases upwardly along a part 156 of the governor speed droop line 145 until the force balancing, system is'rebalanced at the point 146 on curve a. Theisregulator abovetdescribed possesses numerous ad vantages over prior regulators of the same type by virtue 3 of the substantial reduction in the number and complexity of the parts, the extremely compact arrangement of the needed parts, and the use of certain of the parts to perform double functions. The'use of a single speed sensor to act as a steady-state governor and also to supply the turbine speed signal for the fuel limit computing system is made possible by the individual loading of the 3D cam follower by the spring 117 and the control linkage 125, 123 and 161 by the spring 134. As a result, the over-all construction of the complete regulatortis greatly simplified. Moreover, contact between and wear on the 3D cam and its follower occurs during only a small fraction of the actual service time. Also, the adjustment of the cam by the temperature sensor 53 usually takes place while the follower is out of contactwith the 3D cam so that this sensor may be of less rugged construction than in prior gas turbine regulators. 7 Control of the fuel flow under steady-state conditions by a speed governor having inherent speed droop as contrasted with a more costly isochronous governor is possible with thepresent regulator by taking advantage of the characteristic of a gas turbine by which steady-state fuel demand and also compressor pressure decrease with altitude. By this action, the compressor acting through the P3 sensor produces an effect analogous to dedrooping the speed governor without the necessityof producing a special dedrooping mechanism in order to obtain the desired close regulation of the turbine speed. I claim as my invention: 1. In a fuel regulating system for a gas turbine, the combination of, (l) a fuel regulator movable back and forth in opposite directions to increase and decrease the fuel flow, t e (2) a three dimensional cam mounted for back and forth movements in axial and angular dimensions, (3) a speed droop type governor for sensing changes in the speed of said turbine and adjustably positioning said cam axially in accordance with such changes, (4) means for adjustably positioning said cam langularly in accordance with changes in another operating a parameter of said turbine, (5) a follower for said cam coupled to said fuel regulator and mounted for movement radially toward and away'from the cam axis to correspondingly move said member in said fuel increasing and decreasing directions, s I (6) spring means urging said follower toward said cam, (7) a speed regulating lever coupled totsaid follower for back and forth movement therewith and mounted to swing about a fulcrum axis extending transversely V of said cam axis, a a (8) a member on said second lever spaced from said fulcrum axis and from the end of said cam during movement of the latter through the initial part of its range of axial speed increasing movement, said member being disposed in the path of the cam so;as to be engaged and moved thereby in the remaining part of said range of axial movement whereby to change the in the'turbine speed .alone when said follower is out 1 j of contact with said cam, ' (9') means supporting said fulcrum axis for bodily shifting along said cam axis, said last mentioned means including a-spring stronger than andcapable of overcoming said spring means and biasing said fulcrum f axis in the direction of the. speed decreasing move- 7 ment of said cam, and ' (10) a manually adjustable stop for limiting the movement of said fulcrum axis by'said spring. 2."A gas turbine fuel regulating system as defined in claim "1 in which said follower is on one end of an elongated levercoupled at its othertend to saidfuel regulator and fulcrumed intermediate its ends to swing about an axis paralleling said shiftable fulcrum axis, and said position of said regulator in accordance with changes having one arm carrying said member and extending transversely of said cam axis and a second arm extending along such axis and linked to said follower lever and fuel regulator. 3. In a fuel regulating system for a gas turbine, the combination of, a fuel regulator, means for sensing changes in pressure at the discharge of the compressor of said turbine, mechanism for actuating said regulator to increase and decrease the flow of fuel to said turbine with increases and decreases in said pressure including a lever having a fulcrum shiftable back and forth to vary the ratio of the lever, a three dimensional cam mounted for back and forth movements in axial and angular dimensions, a speed droop type governor for sensing changes in the speed of said turbine and adjustably positioning said cam axially in accordance with such changes, means for adjustably positioning said cam angularly in accordance with changes in another operating parameter of said turbine, a follower adapted to engage the surface of said cam and mounted for movement radially toward and away from the cam axis, a permanent connection between said follower and said fulcrum for positioning the latter to correspond to the radial position of said follower, a member permanently coupled to said follower and mounted at one end of said cam for movement axially of the latter, said member being disposed in the path of the cam so as to be spaced from the cam during movement thereof through part of its range and then to be engaged by the cam and moved thereby in the continued axial movement of the cam during which said follower may be moved away from the cam surface whereby the positioning of said fulcrum may be controlled solely by said governor, and selectively adjustable means for changing the position at which said member is engaged by said cam including means supporting said member for yielding along said cam axis when said follower is being moved by said cam while the member is in contact with the cam. 4. In a fuel regulating system for a gas turbine, the combination of, (1) a fuel regulator, (2) means for sensing changes in pressure at the discharge of the compressor of said turbine, (3) mechanism for actuating said regulator to increase and decrease the flow of fuel to said turbine in accordance with increases and decreases in said pressure including a lever having a fulcrum shiftable back and forth to vary the ratio of the lever, (4) a three dimensional cam mounted for back and forth movements in axial and angular dimensions, (5) a speed droop type governor for sensing changes in the speed of said turbine and adjustably positioning said cam axially in accordance with such changes, (6) means for adjustably positioning said cam angularly in accordance with changes in another operating parameter of said turbine, (7) a follower adapted to engage the surface of said cam and mounted for movement radially toward and away from the cam axis, (8) connection between said follower and said fulcrum for positioning the latter to correspond to the radial position of said follower, (9) spring means urging said follower toward the cam axis, (10) a second lever coupled to said follower for back and forth movement therewith and mounted to swing about a fulcrum axis extending transversely of said cam axis, (11) a member on said second lever spaced from its fulcrum and from the end of said cam during movement of the latter through part of its range of axial movement, said member being disposed in the path of the cam so as to be engaged and moved thereby in the remaining part of said range of axial movement whereby to change the position of said fulcrum in accordance with changes in the turbine speed alone, (12) means supporting said fulcrum axis for bodily shifting along said cam axis, said last mentioned means including a spring stronger than and capable of overcoming said spring means and biasing said fulcrum axis in the direction of the speed decreasing movement of said cam, (13) a stop for limiting the movement of said fulcrum axis by said spring, and (14) manually operable means for adjusting the position of said stop and change the position of said fulcrum axis for the maintenance of difierent turbine speeds by said governor, said stop, when moved by said manual means to increase the speed setting of said fulcrum axis, acting through the medium of said second lever to swing said first lever in a direction to shift said fulcrum to increase the fuel flow and also move said follower toward said cam. References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS SAMUEL LEVINE, Primary Examiner.